Latest from Horse & Hound in Ascot-racecourse

Your complete guide to the Royal Ascot enclosures and what to expect in each

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 21 May 2026 08:49:28 +0000

There are four enclosures at Royal Ascot, with three of those open to the public. Each enclosure has an atmosphere of its own, offering a unique raceday experience.

Royal Ascot itself is one of the most prestigious and exciting Flat race meetings in the horse racing calendar and this year it will take place between Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 June.

Royal Ascot enclosures: your complete guide

The Royal Enclosure is exclusive to members. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure works on an invitation-only membership, as it was at its inception in 1807, when the area was exclusively reserved for guests of The King.

Royal Enclosure members have access to a private trackside viewing lawn, a dedicated fourth floor vantage point in the grandstand, an exclusive area around the parade ring, several fine dining restaurants and a dedicated car park.

There is a strict dress code for the Royal Enclosure – find out more about the Royal Ascot dress codes.

To become a Royal Enclosure member, a new applicant will need to be sponsored by two eligible members (of different addresses) and must be 18 years or older at the time of the event. Currently, a £150 joining fee also applies, and an annual membership fee of £25 will be introduced ahead of the 2027 meeting.

Members are invited to bring up to two guests on each day excluding Tuesday. There are only a limited number of guest badges available and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Juniors aged 10-17 may attend the Royal Enclosure with their parents on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. Babies and under 10s are not permitted.

The Queen Anne Enclosure has a formal feel. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Queen Anne Enclosure

Tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure start at £99. The enclosure itself is located around the Ascot Grandstand and grants guests access to the parade ring steppings, bandstand, trackside lawns and ground floor of the grandstand.

While not as strict as in the Royal Enclosure, the dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is formal and must be followed.

This enclosure offers a wide range of food and drink options and there are a number of bars and Champagne lounges located within it.

Queen Anne Enclosure ticket holders also have the option to upgrade their ticket in various ways, such as booking a trackside table or private gazebo for up to 50 guests.

Tickets start at £99 – find out more about Royal Ascot tickets.

The Village Enclosure view is from the centre of the track. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Village Enclosure

The Village Enclosure is located in the centre of the track, looking back towards the grandstand from the other side of the rails. The Village Enclosure is open Thursday to Saturday, gives views of the racing down the home straight and is a festival-inspired experience.

There is an after-party headlined by Disco Inferno, bringing glittering disco anthems and energy to the main stage until 9pm for all Village Enclosure ticket holders.

Village Enclosure tickets start at £85.

Racegoers in the Windsor Enclosure get the first view of the Royal procession. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Windsor Enclosure

The Windsor Enclosure has a laid back atmosphere. Those in this enclosure will get the first view of the Royal Procession, features live music, is ideal for large groups of people and there is no formal dress code.

It’s the only enclosure that allows guests to bring a picnic and bottle of sparkling wine or champagne. Guests can enhance their experience by reserving a picnic bench or securing access to a VIP area.

Windsor Enclosure tickets start at £37.

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Avoid a fashion faux pas at Royal Ascot with the full 2026 dress code for every enclosure

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:13:54 +0000

If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Royal Ascot this year (16–20 June 2026), we’re here to help with the ultimate guide to the Royal Ascot dress code for each enclosure.

It would be awful to arrive at Royal Ascot in an outfit that does not meet the dress code and be turned away as a result, so we’ll cover everything from the length of dresses suitable for Royal Ascot, to the accepted width of straps, dos and don’ts for the gents and what young racegoers should be wearing, too.

Do you need to wear a big hat? Can you wear a fascinator instead? How about a jumpsuit? Does he need a tie? We’ve got all your questions answered and if you need some inspiration, we’ve got some tips for dressing at Royal Ascot, too.

Royal Ascot dress codes

Each of the Royal Ascot enclosures has slightly different rules about what you can and can’t wear, so if you have your Royal Ascot tickets and know which enclosure you need to be dressing for, jump straight down to your dress code using the links below. If not, this dress code explainer might help you narrow down where you’d like to spend your day.

Royal Enclosure
Queen Anne Enclosure
Village Enclosure
Windsor Enclosure

Guests of the Royal Enclosure are required to follow the strictest dress code. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Royal Enclosure dress code

The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code and is by invitation only, so congratulations if you’ve got yourself a ticket. Guests in this enclosure are encouraged to embrace the elegance and fashion with their own individual style, providing it is in keeping with the dress code.

Ladies

Headwear must be worn. Hats are preferred, but a headpiece that has a solid base of four inches (10cm) or more in diameter is allowed as an alternative. This selection of hats for Royal Ascot are all compliant.
Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer, and midriffs should not be on show. Straps should be at least one inch thick – strapless, off-the-shoulder and halter-neck styles are not permitted. Lace and chiffon materials are accepted.
Jackets and pashminas are allowed, however, the dress underneath still needs to comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.
Trouser suits are welcome but should be full length and both the material and colour should match.
Jumpsuits are allowed, but should fall below the knee and match the same strap regulations as dresses.

Gentlemen

Morning dress must be worn and must be either black, grey or navy. This includes a waistcoat and tie (bow ties and cravats are not permitted).
Top hats should be worn (black or grey) but customisation, such as coloured ribbon, is not allowed.
Novelty waistcoats and ties are not permitted, but discreet patterns and those of a patriotic nature (for example, a national flag) are acceptable.
Shoes must be black and socks must cover the ankle.

Children

Girls (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the ladies’ dress code, however, there is no size restriction on headwear.
Boys (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s dress code or wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie.

The Queen Anne Enclosure requires formal dress. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Queen Anne Enclosure dress code

While not as strict as in the Royal Enclosure, the dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is formal and should be followed with confidence.

Ladies

Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times.
Dresses or tops must have shoulder or halter neck straps. Garments with an open-back style are permitted as long as they aren’t strapless, off-the-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer fabrics are not permitted, but there is no minimum dress or skirt length.
Trouser suits and jumpsuits must fall below the knee and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Trouser suits must also be of matching colour and material. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.

Gentlemen

Suits (two or three-piece) must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern. Jeans and chinos are not permitted, but morning dress is an option.
Ties should be worn at all times – bow ties, cravats and neckerchiefs are not permitted.
Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.

Children

Girls (under 17) should be dressed for a formal occasion (smart summer dresses, for example). Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.
Boys (aged 10–17) should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and a tie.
Boys (aged nine and under) should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.

While the Village Enclosure has a more relaxed dress code, most guests still take the opportunity to dress up. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Village Enclosure dress code

Although less formal than the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, the Village Enclosure still requires that you dress in a manner than befits a formal occasion.

Ladies

Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times. Smaller hats or fascinators are recommended in this enclosure.
Dresses or tops should not be strapless, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer straps are not permitted. There is no minimum length.
Trouser suits must be full length, of matching colour and material, and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.
Wedges and block heels are recommended over stilettos as this enclosure is a grassed area.

Gentlemen

Jackets are required and can be of a different material to the trousers.
Trousers must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jeans are not permitted.
Ties must be worn at all times – bow ties and cravats are accepted.
Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.

Children

Juniors (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with either of the above adult dress codes although hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.

There is no formal dress code in the Windsor Enclosure. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Windsor Enclosure dress code

There is no formal dress code in this enclosure, but smart daywear is encouraged. Hats and fascinators are recommended for ladies, while it’s recommended that gentlemen wear a jacket, collared shirt and full-length trousers.

What not to wear at Royal Ascot

There are some things that are not permitted on site at all at Royal Ascot, even in areas that do not follow a formal dress code. Racegoers should not wear fancy dress, novelty patterns or fabrics – this include clothing with slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery.

Likewise, trainers, denim, leggings and shorts are not permitted within any dress code.

Other things to bring to Royal Ascot

It would be remiss not to mention also packing the following:

a pair of the best binoculars for racing
suncream (SPF 50)
blister plasters, hair grips and safety pins

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Royal Ascot and other major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Have you got your Royal Ascot tickets? Here’s what you need to know

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 14 May 2026 08:16:04 +0000

Thinking about attending Royal Ascot but not got your tickets yet? Here’s a full guide to your options for Royal Ascot week (16–20 June), including each of the public enclosures. Some options are sold out already, while others are showing as limited availability, so we recommend purchasing as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

The Royal Enclosure is exclusively for members only, but all other tickets can be easily purchased online at eticketing.co.uk, with further hospitality options via seatunique.com.

Royal Ascot tickets

Not sure what area is best for your party? See our full guide to the Royal Ascot enclosures.

Windsor enclosure tickets

This vibrant enclosure has no formal dress code and you can bring your own picnic.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

Tuesday – £37
Wednesday – £37
Thursday – £47
Friday – £42
Saturday – £47 (sold out)

Queen Anne Enclosure

This is the premier public enclosure, which gives you access to the grandstand and parade ring viewing.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

Tuesday – £99
Wednesday – £99
Thursday – £110
Friday – £110
Saturday – £115 (sold out)

Village Enclosure

This enclosure in the centre of the track has a festival atmosphere and hosts a post-racing concert.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

Thursday – £85
Friday – £85
Saturday – £89 (sold out)

Royal Ascot ticket discounts

Ticket savings are available on groups of 7+ and 30+ tickets until midnight on Sunday, 17 May.

You can book a “party package”, which includes your ticket, a racecard voucher and two drinks vouchers at a reduced bundle price.

Royal Ascot also offer early-bird booking, but this window has now ended for the 2026 meeting.

There are a range of hospitality options available throughout Royal Ascot week. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Royal Ascot hospitality tickets

Restaurant options

There are restaurant hospitality options available in all three public enclosures. There is are options ranging from lively to formal dining experiences, so all types of racegoer will be able to tailor their day to their taste, priorities and budget.

View options at ascot.com (starting at £600) or seatunique.com (starting at £549)

Private boxes

Private boxes offer privacy, exclusivity, and impeccable service at the heart of the action. Boxes are available in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, with options from 10–72 people. Each box has a private barm dining area, large flat screen TV and private balcony.

To enquire, visit ascot.com or seatunique.com

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Caring for our retired racehorses is key – once you sell a horse, you lose all control’, warns Kim Bailey

Kim Bailey — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:26:58 +0000

Cotswolds-based National Hunt trainer Kim Bailey reflects on recent racing action ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and the steps needed to ensure the best possible future for racehorses on their retirement from the sport

It’s been wet, wet, wet! But it was good to see racing beat the odds on Saturday 7 February at both Newbury and Warwick. Credit must go to the teams who were working mighty miracles to ensure their meetings went ahead.

Warwick’s ground wasn’t too bad and it produced some exciting racing and drama right to the line. Newbury, by contrast, looked very testing indeed and the results often reflected that, with several races decided by wide margins (see report, p54 of 12 February H&H magazine).

The Cheltenham Festival really was the theme of the day. The Denman Chase was won from the front by Haiti Couleurs, while the Game Spirit Chase was won in striking fashion by Lulamba. Just when he looked unlikely to get there, he powered clear late on. He now looks bound for the Arkle Chase and better ground could make a significant difference to him.

Talking of ground, the William Hill Hurdle was won in commanding style by Paul Nicholls’ Tutti Quanti, who made all under top weight and did so most impressively. Nicholls clearly feels that very soft ground is the key to him and if conditions fall his way, he could yet enter the Champion Hurdle picture.

Looking back a couple of weeks, you also must marvel at the Dublin Racing Festival. After flooding threatened the meeting, they shifted racing to Sunday and Monday and still produced top-class sport, with reputations made and broken in testing conditions.

What struck me most was the toll it took, with horses pulling up just strides after the line. They will certainly know they’ve had hard races and, with Cheltenham only weeks away, perhaps it might even give the English trainers more realistic chances?

“It didn’t read well for the sport”

Racing often finds itself looking over its shoulder and one area that has attracted publicity recently is the retirement of racehorses and where they end up. Unfortunately, there was a slight disaster when Sprinter Sacre made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The incident surrounding payment for his veterinary fees and a GoFundMe page was all down to a lack of communication, but regardless, it didn’t read well for the sport. Thankfully, through Nicky Henderson it was quickly resolved.

We have just retired Two For Gold. Now 13 years old, he won 11 races, ran at the Cheltenham Festival, contested the Grand National and won and ran several times at Ascot. All in all, he has been a most remarkable horse to be involved with.

When we retire our horses, they go with a non-racing agreement. The people who take them on are heavily vetted by my wife Clare, and the conditions are very clear: the horse must be properly looked after, we must be kept informed of how they are getting on and there has to be ongoing communication.

We never sell our retired horses, because once you sell a horse, you lose all control. This way, we retain some influence over their future.

Racing has absolute responsibility to look after horses when their racing careers end, but when you consider how many horses retire every year, it’s easy to see what a challenge this is for trainers and owners alike.

But we are very lucky that the Retraining of Racehorses programme is expanding and with the help of many, including David Howden and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme, there are many more options open as to where our old warriors go.

Wonderful result

Life is so often about being in the right place at the right time and for young Aamilah Aswat, her moment came and she took it, when becoming the first female black jockey to ride a winner over hurdles at Kempton last week, on Guchen.

Aamilah has been working here for four years, works incredibly hard, schools beautifully and thoroughly deserved her opportunity. But chances in racing are hard to come by. Unless your parents are trainers or wealthy owners, getting started is incredibly difficult.

She was fortunate that Sir Francis Brooke organised a charity race for the Ebony Horse Club, of which Aamilah was a part, and it was only right that she rode the horse once she became a licensed jockey.

After four rides, the first three being valuable learning experiences, she put everything together to win – a wonderful result for her, for the charity and for the publicity it has generated. It proves a simple truth in racing, as in life: without that moment of opportunity, the struggle to get going can be immense.

● Let us know about your former racehorses in their second careers, at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for their story to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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How to watch the King George at Ascot live from anywhere in the world

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:30:10 +0000

Watch the King George at Ascot live this weekend and join thousands of racing fans coming together to witness some of Europe’s finest middle-distance horses.

This year marks the 76th running of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, but there is so much to see throughout the The King George Weekend at Ascot Racecourse, with 14 races across the two days.

Last year’s winner of the feature race, Calandagan, is favourite to win Saturday’s £2 million showpiece, with Benvenuto Cellini tipped as the primary threat.

At a glance

King George dates: 24–25 July 2026
Watch King George on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
Watch King George from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the King George at Ascot on TV

ITV will screen the feature race, along with three others (schedule below), live and for free on ITV1 and ITVX on the second day of the King George Racing Weekend, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast all the races via its subscription-based service.

The ITV coverage will be presented by Francesca Cumani and Ed Chamberlin, with analysis from Jason Weaver and Adele Mulrennan, reports by Matt Chapman and Mick Fitzgerald, and commentary from Richard Hoiles

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

How to watch the King George at Ascot from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
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King George Weekend race times

Friday 24 July
Start time	Race	Channel
2.20pm	The Sports4Causes October Club EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes	Racing TV
2.55pm	The Flexjet Pat Eddery Stakes (formerly the Winkfield Stakes)	Racing TV
3.30pm	The John Guest Racing Brown Jack Handicap Stakes	Racing TV
4.05pm	The Sodexo Live! Handicap Stakes	Racing TV
4.40pm	The Chapel Down Handicap Stakes	Racing TV
5.12pm	The Sodexo Live! Fillies’ Handicap Stakes	Racing TV

Saturday 25 July
Start time	Race	Channel
1.10pm	The Dentakay EBF Crocker Bulteel ‘Confined’ Maiden Stakes	Racing TV
1.45pm	The Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes	ITV1 and Racing TV
2.20pm	The Longines Valiant Stakes	ITV1 and Racing TV
2.55pm	The Moӫt & Chandon International Stakes	ITV1 and Racing TV
3.35pm	The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes	ITV1 and Racing TV
4.10pm	The Ascot Shop Handicap Stakes	Racing TV
4.45pm	The Betfred Handicap Stakes	Racing TV
5.20pm	The Whispering Angel Handicap Stakes	Racing TV

To stay up to date with all the latest news from major events across the disciplines, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Off to the races at Ascot? Here’s where to stay

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:20:56 +0000

Ascot Racecourse is home to a number of big race meetings throughout the year, most notably Royal Ascot. Finding a hotel near Ascot Racecourse will help you make the most of your visit to this historic venue in Berkshire. Due to the popularity of the bigger race meetings, accommodation is often booked up well in advance – particularly for Royal Ascot week – so if you find something suitable available, we suggest you don’t hang around.

We’ve included a great selection of accommodation by type – not just hotels near Ascot Racecourse, but guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday lets too, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Distances are calculated to the Berkshire racecourse (SL5 7JX).

Hotels near Ascot Racecourse
Guest houses, inns and B&Bs near Ascot Racecourse
Holiday lets and apartments near Ascot Racecourse

Hotels near Ascot Racecourse

The Royal Foresters
Distance: 1.2 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
This three-star hotel has a restaurant and bar.View Deal

Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa
Distance: 1.7 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4/5
This luxury four-star hotel and spa offers a variety of room types.View Deal

Royal Berkshire

Distance: 2.1 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4/5
An elegant country house hotel set in 15 acres of beautiful gardens.View Deal

Coworth Park
Distance: 3 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
This luxury five-star hotel has two restaurants, two bars and a spa.View Deal

Travelodge Bracknell Central
Distance: 3.3 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4/5
This is the closest budget hotel to the racecourse.View Deal

Premier Inn Bracknell Central
Distance: 3.6 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4/5
This hotel offers free parking, double, single and family rooms.View Deal

Stirrups Hotel
Distance: 3.6 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
This hotel has free parking, a bar and lounge.View Deal

Village Hotel
Distance: 5.6 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4/5
This four-star hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool.View Deal

Guest houses, inns and B&Bs near Ascot Racecourse

Sleep Neat
Distance: 1.6 miles |Tripadvisor rating: 3/5
This B&B offers ‘budget’ and ‘deluxe’ rooms.View Deal

The Admirals Inn
Distance: 3.7 miles
Family run guest house, offers free wifi and parking.View Deal

Wheatsheaf Hotel
Distance: 4.1 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 3.5/5
This three-star inn has a restaurant and bar, and offers free parking.View Deal

The Winning Post
Distance to venue: 4.3 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
This pet-friendly four-star inn has free parking, a restaurant and bar.View Deal

Holiday lets and apartments near Ascot Racecourse

The Haven
Distance: 1.5 miles
This studio apartment has access to a garden and terrace.View Deal

Home From Home
Distance: 1.7 miles
This 2-bed apartment sleeps four and is pet-friendly.View Deal

3 Bedroom Cottage
Distance: 1.7 miles
This pet-friendly cottage has access to a garden, patio and tennis court.View Deal

Newly Built Villa
Distance: 1.9 miles
This three-bed, three-bathroom villa sleeps up to six and has a garden and parking.View Deal

Contemporary Studio
Distance: 3.1 miles
This studio apartment has a washing machine.View Deal

The Annexe
Distance: 3.9 miles
This large studio apartment has free parking and garden access.View Deal

The Barn
Distance: 4.1 miles
This one-bed holiday let allows pets and has free parking.View Deal

High Street Apartment
Distance: 4.6 miles
This one-bed apartment sleeps four.View Deal

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Heading to Royal Ascot and in need of a hat? These options are all still in stock

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Our pick of dresses for Royal Ascot that meet the dress code and ooze style – all still in stock

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Hotels and holiday homes near Cheltenham Racecourse for all budgets

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Fancy a day at Ascot races? Your helpful guide to tickets and 2023 fixtures

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 17:32:47 +0000

Whether you’re a dedicated fan of horseracing, or you just fancy a great day out this summer, then a day at Ascot racecourse will be right up your street. Ascot hosts both Flat and jumps meetings throughout the year, offering spectators the chance to see some of the best racehorses compete against each other. If you’re unsure where to start, here is our helpful guide to tickets for Ascot races.

Ascot racecourse is located in Berkshire and it hosts 13 of Britain’s 36 annual Flat Group One horse races and three Grade One jumps races. Ascot currently stages 26 days of racing over the course of the year, comprising 18 Flat meetings between April and October, including the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting, and eight jump meetings between October and March.

Tickets for Ascot races in July 2023

14-15 July: Summer Mile meeting (Flat)

There are two enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £20:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to free entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £40:

Elevated trackside viewing
Parade ring viewing balcony
Access to premier bars and restaurants

Buy tickets at ascot.com

28-29 July: QIPCO King George weekend (Flat)

There are two enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £20:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to free entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £40:

Elevated trackside viewing
Parade ring viewing balcony
Access to premier bars and restaurants

Buy tickets at ascot.com

Tickets for Ascot races August 2023

12 August: Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup (Flat)

There are three enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £30:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to free entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

Winning Post enclosure – tickets from £40:

Trackside lawn adjacent to winning post
Additional food and drink options
Pre-parade and parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £75:

Elevated trackside viewing
Parade ring viewing balcony
Access to premier bars and restaurants

Buy tickets at ascot.com

Ascot tickets September 2023

8-9 September: September Racing weekend (Flat)

There are two enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £20:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to free entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £40:

Elevated trackside viewing
Parade ring viewing balcony
Access to premier bars and restaurants

Buy tickets at ascot.com

Ascot tickets October 2023

6-7 October: Autumn Racing weekend (Flat)

There are two enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £20:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to free entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £40:

Elevated trackside viewing
Parade ring viewing balcony
Access to premier bars and restaurants

Buy tickets at ascot.com

21 October: QIPCO British Champions Day (Flat)

There are three enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £30:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to free entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

Winning Post enclosure – tickets from £47:

Trackside lawn adjacent to winning post
Additional food and drink options
Pre-parade and parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £93:

Elevated trackside viewing
Parade ring viewing balcony
Access to premier bars and restaurants

Buy tickets at ascot.com

November 2023 tickets

24-25 November: November Racing weekend (Jumps)

There are two enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £20:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to free entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £25:

Access to trackside viewing lawns
Multitude of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to on-site entertainment
Access to pre-parade and parade ring steppings

Buy tickets at ascot.com

December 2023 tickets

22–23 December: Howden Christmas Racing weekend (Jumps)

There are two enclosures available at this meeting.

Queen Anne enclosure – ticket prices from £20:

Trackside viewing lawn
Range of bars and on-the-go food options
Access to on-site entertainment
Parade and pre-parade ring viewing areas

King Edward VII enclosure: ticket prices from £40:

Level four access
Elevated trackside viewing
Balcony overlooking parade ring
Premier bars and restaurants

Buy tickets at ascot.com

Hospitality tickets at Ascot races

If you are interested in upgrading your Ascot racecourse tickets to include hospitality, there are plenty of options and packages available throughout the season.

Royal Ascot tickets

Read our complete guide to Royal Ascot tickets if you are considering attending the prestigious meeting in June. Tickets for Royal Ascot 2024 will be available via Ticketmaster for the first time, and are available to purchase from Thursday 22 June 2023.

Ticketmaster’s technology will allow racegoers to visualise, in full 3D, the entire racecourse thanks to Ticketmaster’s 3D Virtual Venue. This allows racing fans to explore in real-time, different areas of the racecourse to choose their preferred enclosure. It will also provide racegoers with an easy way to purchase tickets, including the use of Apple Pay and Google Pay, for all of Ascot’s race meetings from Royal Ascot 2024 onwards.

Felicity Barnard, commercial director of Ascot racecourse said: “We are delighted to be working with Ticketmaster to provide the ticketing platform for Ascot racecourse. We place customer experience at the heart of all we do and believe the Ticketmaster platform can deliver for our customers. We look forward to an innovative approach to ticketing with the ongoing developments Ticketmaster can provide.”

Chris Gratton, managing director of Ticketmaster Sport UK, said: “Ascot is one of the UK’s most prestigious racecourses and for them to choose Ticketmaster is a ringing endorsement of our innovation built on resilience and client support, which is a driving force behind everything we do. We are delighted to deliver our technology and expertise to bring new digital solutions to racing.”

Today at Royal Ascot: everything you need to know about day four

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:32:00 +0000

The 2022 Royal Ascot meeting continues today (Friday 18 June) and it promises to be a feast for all things racing. Today at Royal Ascot we will be treated to two Group One races – Group One being the best of the best in Flat racing terms.

Races not to miss

The first Group One of the day is the Commonwealth Cup at 3.05pm, where colts and fillies, who must be three years old, run over 6f (1,200m).

The second Group One on Friday will come at 4.20pm in the form of the Coronation Stakes, which is open to three-year-old fillies and is run over a mile.

Horses to look out for

Inspiral has a good chance of getting John and Thady Godson’s name on the board as winning trainers at this year’s Royal Ascot after some of their fancied runners earlier in the week hit the crossbar. She is favourite in the Coronation Stakes at 4.20pm.

The Queen, who has come so close to bagging a winner with two of her horses finishing a very close second, is yet to celebrate one of hers being first past the post at this year’s Royal Ascot. However, she does have another chance today in the form of Just Fine in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at 3.40pm. The four-year-old son of Sea The Stars is trained by Sir Michael Stoute and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Jockeys to look out for

Frankie Dettori is yet to get in the winner’s enclosure at Royal Ascot this week, so he will be hoping that he can score a victory aboard Inspiral at 4.20pm. He has four chances of getting a winner on the board today.

Trainers to look out for

Young Newmarket trainer George Boughey scored his first ever Royal Ascot winner yesterday (Thursday 18 June) when Inver Park was first past the post in the Buckingham Palace Stakes under Ben Curtis. Today George has another shot at notching a winner when Catchet, who won the 1,000 Guineas in Newmarket earlier this year and then went very close to winning the French equivalent when she was beaten by just a head, lines up in the Coronation Stakes. Win, lose or draw, George is a trainer going places.

How to watch today at Royal Ascot

If you don’t want to miss a moment of the top-class racing action, here’s how you can watch Royal Ascot live on TV.

Tips from the top

Take a look at Royal Ascot tips from a team of those in the know to help you pick your winners this week.

Have a flutter

If you would like to place a bet on the outcome of any race at Royal Ascot, then please gamble responsibly.

18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware, Commercial Content.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2022 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

Who won which race? Your one-stop shop for Royal Ascot results

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 06:32:24 +0000

Throughout the week of great sporting action, you will be able to view the top three past the post Royal Ascot results right here.

This page will be updated after the conclusion of each race at Ascot Racecourse, so keep checking back.

Royal Ascot results

Tuesday 14 June

2.30pm: Queen Anne Stakes (Group One)

1st: Baaeed | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company

2nd: Real World | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor | Owner: Godolphin

3rd: Order Of Australia | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor and Mrs A M O’Brien

3.05pm: Coventry Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Bradsell | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Archie Watson | Owner: Victorious Racing Limited

2nd: Persian Force | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

3rd: Royal Scotsman | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: Paul & Oliver Cole | Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay

3.40pm: King’s Stand Stakes (Group One)

1st: Nature Strip | Jockey: James McDonald | Trainer: Chris Waller | Owner: R A E Lyons, P D Harrison Et Al

2nd: Twilight Calls | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Henry Candy | Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

3rd: Acclaim Express | Jockey: Rowan Scott | Trainer: Nigel Tinkler | Owner: MPS Racing & M B Spence

4.20pm: St James’s Palace Stakes (Group One)

1st: Croebus | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Lusail | Jockey: Pat Dobbs | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: Al Shahab Racing

3rd: My Prospero | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc

5pm: Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Coltrane | Jockey: Callum Hutchinson | Trainer: Andrew Balding | Owner: Mick & Janice Mariscotti

2nd: Bring On The Night | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs J Donnelly

3rd: Arcadian Sunrise | Jockey: Harry Davies | Trainer: John Queally | Owner: Mrs Miriam Queally

5.35pm: Wolverton Stakes (Listed Race)

1st: Dubai Future | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Cadillac | Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Kevin Philippart De Foy | Owner: Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah

3rd: Harrovian | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Racing

6.10pm: Copper House Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Get Shirty | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: Akela Thoroughbreds Limited

2nd: Cleveland | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier

3rd: Okita Soushi | Jockey: Declan McDonogh | Trainer: Jospeh O’Brien | Owner: Toshihiro Matsumoto

Wednesday 15 June

2.30pm: Queen Mary Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Dramatised | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Karl Burke | Owner: Clipper Logistics

2nd: Maylandsea | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Michael Bell | Owner: Middleham Park Racing LXXI & Partners

3rd: Maria Branwell | Jockey: Kieran Shoemark | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: Bronte Collection 1

3.05pm: Queen’s Vase (Group Two)

1st: Elder Eldarov | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Roger Varian | Owner: KHK Racing Ltd.

2nd: Zechariah | Jockey: Colin Keane | Trainer: Freddie & Martin Meade | Owner: Aquis Farm & Manton Park

3rd: Hafit | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

3.40pm: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group One)

1st: State Of Rest | Jockey: Shane Crosse | Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Owner: State Of Rest Partnership

2nd: Bay Bridge | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute | Owner: James Wigan & Ballylinch Stud

3rd: Grand Glory | Jockey: Mickael Barzalona | Trainer: Gianluca Bietolini | Owner: Haras De Hus

4.20pm: Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Saffron Beach | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Owner: Mrs B Sangster, J Wigan & O Sangster

2nd: Thunder Beauty | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: D K Kelly

3rd: Primo Bacio | Jockey: Richard Kingscote | Trainer: Ed Walker | Owner: David Ward

5pm: Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Dark Shift | Jockey: James McDonald | Trainer: Charles Hills | Owner: H Frost

2nd: Intellogent | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Owner: Fiona Carmichael

3rd: Tempus | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Archie Walker | Owner: Hambleton Racing Ltd. XXXI & Partner

5.35pm: Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race)

1st: Little Big Bear | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor, Westerberg

2nd: Rocket Rodney | Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: George Scott | Owner: Victorious Racing Limited

3rd: Eddie’s Boy | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Archie Walker | Owner: Middleham Park Racing XIV & Partner

6.10pm: Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Rising Star | Jockey: Neil Callan | Trainer: Marco Botti | Owner: Mamba Racing & Partner

2nd: Random Harvest | Jockey: Saffie Osborne | Trainer: Ed Walker | Owner: Lady Bamford

3rd: Isola Rossa | Jockey: Hayley Turner | Trainer: James Fanshawe | Owner: Jan & Peter Hopper & Michelle Morris

Thursday 16 June

2.30pm: Norfolk Stakes (Group Two)

1st: The Ridler | Jockey: Paul Hanagan | Trainer: Richard Fahey | Owner: Steve Bradley

2nd: Walbank | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: David Loughnane | Owner: Amo Racing & Omnihorse Racing

3rd: Crispy Cat | Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: M D O’Callaghan | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

3.05pm: King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Secret State | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Deauville Legend | Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: James Ferguson | Owner: K K Ho

3rd: Israr | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd.

3.40pm: Ribbesdale Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Magical Lagoon | Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Jessica Harrington | Owner: Zhang Yuesheng

2nd: Sea Silk Road | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc

3rd: History | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg

4.20pm: Gold Cup (Group One)

1st: Kyprios | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Moyglare, Magnier, Tabor, Smith & Westerberg

2nd: Mojo Star | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

3rd: Stradivarius | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: B E Nielsen

5pm: Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Thesis | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton | Owner: Juddmonte

2nd: Saga | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: The Queen

3rd: Jimi Hendrix | Jockey: Rob Hornby | Trainer: Ralph Beckett | Owner: Chelsea Thoroughbred – Purple Haze

5.35pm: Hampton Court Stakes (Group Three)

1st: Claymore | Jockey: Adam Kirby | Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Owner: Mrs Mary Slack

2nd: Reach For The Moon | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: The Queen

3rd: Kingmax | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: David Loughnane | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

6.10pm: Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Inver Park | Jockey: Ben Curtis | Trainer: George Boughey | Owner: The Inver Park Partnership

2nd: Ropey Guest | Jockey: Tom Queally | Trainer: George Margarson | Owner: John Guest Racing

3rd: Rhoscolyn | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: The Horse Watchers

Friday 17 June

2.30pm: Albany Stakes (Group Three)

1st: Meditate | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg

2nd: Mawj | Jockey: Saeed bin Suroor | Trainer: Ray Dawson | Owner: Godolphin

3rd: Ivory Madonna | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Richard Spencer | Owner: Phil Cunningham

3.05pm: Commonwealth Cup (Group One)

1st: Perfect Power | Jockey: Christophe Soumillon | Trainer: Richard Fahey | Owner: Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum

2nd: Flaming Rib | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Hugo Palmer | Owner: Dale Dolan Dooley Owen

3rd: Flotus | Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford | Owner: Katsumi Yoshida

3.40pm: Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes

1st: Candleford | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Barnane Stud

2nd: Ajero | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Kim Bailey | Owner: Julie & David R Martin & Dan Hall

3rd: Contact | Jockey: Ben Curtis | Trainer: David & Nicola Barron | Owner: H D Atkinson

4.20pm: Coronation Stakes (Group One)

1st: Inspiral | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

2nd: Spendarella | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: H Graham Motion | Owner: Gainesway Farm

3rd: Discoveries | Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Jessica Harrington | Owner: Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd.

5pm: Sandringham Stakes

1st: Heredia | Jockey: Sean Levey | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: St Albans Bloodstock Limited

2nd: Zanbaq | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: Roger Varian | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd.

3rd: Crenelle | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Juddmonte

5.35pm: King Edward VII Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Changingoftheguard | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & D Smith

2nd: Grand Alliance | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Charlie Fellowes | Owner: Mrs Susan Roy

3rd: Lysander | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Beehives

6.10pm: Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes

1st: Latin Lover | Jockey: Hayley Turner | Trainer: Harry Eustace | Owner: Candour House & Partner

2nd: Nymphadora | Jockey: Harry Davies | Trainer: Andrew Balding | Owner: St Albans Bloodstock Limited

3rd: Peggy Sioux | Jockey: Josephine Gordon | Trainer: Kevin Ryan | Owner: Guy Reed Racing

Saturday 18 June

2.30pm: Chesham Stakes (Listed Race)

1st: Holloway Boy | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Karl Burke | Owner: Nick White & Mrs E Burke

2nd: Pearling Path | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: John Stephen O’Donoghue | Owner: Fawn Abdullah Nass

3rd: Lakota Sioux | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Charlie & Max Johnston | Owner: Gallop Racing

3.05pm: Jersey Stakes (Group Three)

1st: Noble Truth | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Find | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Prince A A Faisal

3rd: Dubai Poet | Jockey: Andrea Atzeni | Trainer: Roger Varian | Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

3.40pm: Hardwicke Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Broome | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: M Matsushima, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & D Smith

2nd: Mostahdaf | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company

3rd: Hurricane Lane | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

4.20pm: Platinum Jubilee Stakes (Group One)

1st: Naval Crown | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Creative Force | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

3rd: Artorius | Jockey: Jamie Spencer | Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman | Owner: Newgate, China Horse Club & Partners

5pm: Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Rohaan | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: David Evans | Owner: Chris Kiely Racing Ltd & J Tomkins

2nd: Popmaster | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: Ed Walker | Owner: Laurence Bellman

3rd: Jumby | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Owner: Anthony Pye-Jeary & David Ian

5.35pm: Garden Gates Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Missed The Cut | Jockey: James McDonald | Trainer: George Boughey | Owner: Ed Babington

2nd: Asgoodassobergets | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: Tom Ward | Owner: Any Excuse For A Holiday

3rd: Sun King | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Exors of the Late Sir Robert Ogden, Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor

6.10pm: Queen Alexandra Stakes

1st: Stratum | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Tony Bloom

2nd: Reshoun | Jockey: Richard Kingscote | Trainer: Ian Williams | Owner: Dr Marwan Koukash

3rd: Calling The Wind | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Richard Hughes | Owner: Mrs J A Wakefield

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2021 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories and Royal Ascot results from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

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Have you got your Royal Ascot tickets? Here’s what you need to know

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Laura Collett credited for ‘transformation’ of colt who heads to Champions Day at Ascot

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 07:32:14 +0000

Newmarket-based Flat trainer, William Haggas, has credited the efforts of British Olympic gold-medal winning venter, Laura Collett, with the transformation of one of his horses, who heads to do battle in the Group One Champion Stakes at the Qipco Champions Day later today (16 October).

Dubai Honour (pictured nearside), a three-year-old colt by Pride Of Dubai and owned by Mohamed Obaida, has won four of his career starts so far, clocking up over £356,000 in prize money in the process, but his trainer has said that this horse’s improvement in form came after spending six weeks with Laura earlier this year.

“In the winter we lost him, he got very free and didn’t want to do anything,” Haggas said to the Racing Post. “We sent him off to Laura and she sent a video of him six weeks later and he looked absolutely magnificent. He was a completely different horse and he’s done nothing but thrive since, he’s transformed.”

Dubai Honour has now won all three of his previous starts, and has improved a total of 25lbs in the weights this year. His last two starts have been in Group Two contests; the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville and the the Prix Dollar at Lonchamp on the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe weekend earlier this month. This culminated in the decision being made between Mr Haggas and Mohamed Obaida to pay the £75,000 supplementary fee (the equivalent to a late entry fee) to line up in the Champion Stakes at Ascot racecourse tomorrow.

“We ran him in the Dollar and James [Doyle, jockey] said he showed a very smart turn of foot,” explained Haggas. “He was well on top at the finish. I put the suggestion to the owner to supplement and he nearly bit my hand off for it. He’s an intriguing runner.”

Laura Collett is delighted with the colt’s progress posting on Instagram: “I can’t quite believe the very naughty little three-year-old that came to me in March to ‘sort out’, is now running in the Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. I’m so excited that I will be there and look forward to cheering him on having played a very small part in getting him there.”

The Champion Stakes gets underway at 3.50pm and, at the time of writing, Dubai Honour was third favourite at 7/1 in a 10-strong runner field.

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(Image credit: PA)

Get ready for a massive day of racing action on British Champions Day

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Get ready for a massive day of racing action on British Champions Day

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:10:01 +0000

The Qipco British Champions Day takes place tomorrow (16 October 2021) at Ascot racecourse.

The grand finale of the British Flat season, British Champions Day offers viewers and spectators a feast of some of the best racing action in the world, with six races on the card, featuring no less than four Group One clashes – Group One being the highest level of Flat racing.

In addition, there is one Group Two race and a Class Two race too, which means viewers will be spoilt in terms of top-notch racing action.

British Champions Day first took place in 2011, and is the culmination of the British Champions Series. It features the finals of the five divisions of the series and is the richest day in British racing, with more than £4 million in prize money across the six races up for grabs.

It was created by drawing together a number of historic races, which had been features of Ascot and Newmarket’s end of season meetings for many years. These were the Diadem Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, both from Ascot, and the Champion Stakes, Jockey Club Cup and Pride Stakes, all from Newmarket. In the new fixture, these became the finals of each of the divisions of the British Champions Series.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Champion Stakes retained their names and became the finals of the mile and middle distance divisions respectively. The Diadem Stakes became the British Champions Sprint, the Jockey Club Cup became the British Champions Long Distance Cup, and the Pride Stakes became the British Champions Fillies’ and Mares’ Stakes.

Here’s the important things you need to know to make the most of watching the action…

Trainers to watch

Father and son training duo John and Thady Gosden are trainers to watch on British Champions Day as they prepare to send out a number of key contenders, including the incredible stayer, Stradivarius (pictured) in the Long Distance Cup, Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Mishriff in the Champion Stakes.

Jockeys to watch

British Champions Day also marks the final day of the Flat jockey championship, and this year, it goes right down to the wire with Oisin Murphy and William Buick going head-to-head for the title. These two top jockeys have been see-sawing all week with regards to who has their head in front, so stay tuned to the action to see who comes out on top.

Horse to watch

There are many famous racehorses to look out for on British Champions Day, but keep an eye on Adayar, Mishriff and Palace Pier are among the headline acts, with such as Trueshan, Stradivarius, Snowfall and Baaeed joining them. The glittering cast have won 48 races between them at the highest level.

Races on British Champions Day

1.25pm – British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group Two)

The staying stars are the first to take to the track in the British Champions Long Distance Cup.

2pm – British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group One)

The sprinters take centre stage in the British Champions Sprint, one of the most hotly contested races in 2020.

2.35pm – British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group One)

The climax to the British Champions Series Fillies & Mares category provides a fantastic end-of-season target for the top female stars of the turf.

3.10pm – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group One)

Some of the best horses in the world line up to contest Europe’s richest mile race, worth over £1m with a roll of honour including Minding, Roaring Lion and Frankel.

3.50pm – Champion Stakes (Group One)

Europe’s richest 10 furlong race is set to be the richest race in the UK in 2021, with £1.2m up for grabs.

4.30pm – Balmoral Handicap (Class Two)

This is a hotly-contest one-mile handicap, with over £103,000 available to the winner.

How to watch British Champions Day from home

ITV Racing will be showing all six races on British Champions Day, with coverage starting at 1pm and finishing at 5pm.

Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing will also be showing all of the races from British Champions Day live.

Famous victories at the meeting

Frankel – winner of the 2011 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and winner of the 2012 Champion Stakes.

Glen Shiel – winner of the 2020 British Champions Sprint Stakes, Glen Shiel provided Hollie Doyle with her first Group One success.

Roaring Lion – winner of the 2018 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Dubai Millennium – winner of the 1999 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Cracksman – winner of the 2017 and 2018 Champion Stakes.

Dress code

There is no strict dress code.

Tickets

Tickets are still available and all are welcome to attend British Champions Day. There are three enclosures; King Edward VII enclosure, the Winning Post enclosure and the Queen Anne enclosure, but the first two are now sold out for 2021.

It costs £35 to access the Queen Anne enclosure, which offers access to the length of the grandstand, as well as parade ring access and standside viewing.

How to get there

Ascot racecourse is located just outside London, on the south-west side of the capital city.

There are a number of free and paid-for car parking options available.

Ascot racecourse is a 50 minute drive or train journey from London. It is located close to the M3, M4, M40 and M25 motorways and to London Heathrow for international visitors

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Jockey Club supports former racehorse championship and the latest partnership news

Becky Murray — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 16:03:58 +0000

The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club has been announced as the new title sponsor of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) national championships 2021 in a three-year deal.

The championships will be held at Aintree Equestrian Centre on 26-29 August and feature classes for showing, dressage, and showjumping, culminating with the crowning of the Jockey Club supreme champion during Saturday’s evening performance. Entries are open until 1 August for the 77 classes at the championships, which in 2019 attracted 940 entries from 326 retrained racehorses.

RoR chief executive Di Arbuthnot said the organisation is delighted that RoR’s relationship with the Jockey Club will enter a new phase.

“After the cancellation of last year’s event due to the pandemic it will be wonderful to be back at Aintree in August,” she said.

“Furthermore, in the aftermath of the Jockey Club staging the Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs, the country’s most prestigious Flat race that identifies the cream of the crop from each generation of thoroughbreds, it is apt to be announcing the Jockey Club’s sponsorship of an event that celebrates the alternative career paths taken by horses not of the calibre of Derby or Oaks winners.”

Sulekha Varma, North West head of racing for Jockey Club racecourses, said: “The RoR national championships are always a fantastic event, and we are delighted to be welcoming them back to Aintree racecourse equestrian centre this year, particularly as the new event partner.

“Everyone at the Jockey Club is proud to stage championships and the event is evidence of the course’s year round commitment to promoting horse welfare. We are really looking forward to the four days in August, and hopefully we will see a few familiar equine stars in attendance!”

A spokesman for RoR added the national championships play an important role in promoting the versatility of retired racehorses.

“In 2019 seven-year-old gelding Mumford was crowned supreme champion just 13 months months after leaving training. The remarkable transformation was made possible due to retraining from rider Collette McGoldrick and Mumford’s own adaptability. In winning the title, Mumford followed the footsteps of previous supreme champions Jack The Giant, Beware Chalk Pit, Wild West and What of It,” said the spokesman.

Hambro Sport Horses

JC and Lexi Hambro’s Hambro Sport Horses has been announced as title sponsors of Burgham International Horse Trials (28 July – 1 August) and of the event’s principal CCI4*-S class.

The Northumberland event also has international classes at CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S and is home to the 2021 British National Eventing Championship classes at open, intermediate, novice and restricted novice level.

Hambro Sport Horses aims to pair British riders with the next generation of British horses, and this year launched the Hambro Scholarship, to assist young riders in the eventing world. The business also owns eventers with riders including Tom Jackson, Alicia Hawker and Becky Heappey.

“We’re thrilled to be both the title sponsor and the sponsor of the CCI-S 4* at Burgham International Horse Trials 2021,” said JC and Lexi.

“Burgham has a very special place in our hearts as Lexi was born in Northumberland and we continue to visit the area often.

“We are excited to work with the talented team that has made Burgham what it is today and look forward to sharing the magic of Northumberland and such a special event.”

Burgham’s event director Martyn Johnson added: “We are really looking forward to working with Hambro Sport Horses, and are very grateful for their support. Burgham is highly popular with the country’s top riders, and our partnership with Hambro Sport Horses will help us reward them and the owners of their horses with boosted prize money and better hospitality facilities.

“In 2020 Burgham had to take place behind closed doors, in accordance with government policies surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we are thrilled to be able to welcome spectators back this year to enjoy the top-class sport and a great variety of tradestands, bars and delicious, locally produced food.”

Howden

The insurance broker, which specialises in equestrian and racing needs, has become an official partner of Ascot racecourse.

The partnership will run from 2021 to 2025 and will offer Howden extensive branding across the racecourse on all Ascot racedays, including the five days of Royal Ascot (15-19 June), with an elevated presence on the final day this year.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with Howden and very excited to work together across our global network and on all our racedays throughout the year, including Royal Ascot,” said Ascot racecourse commercial director Felicity Barnard.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the team at Howden for their long-term commitment to the racecourse and look forward to the wider benefits this will bring to British racing as a whole. I’m confident this will be a long and happy partnership.”

Howden founder David Howden, who is also founder and president of Cornbury House Horse Trials, added: “We are thrilled to partner such a well-regarded global sporting brand that, like us, has a strong and proud British heritage coupled with an extensive international reach.

“Ascot presents a unique opportunity to invest in a sport we love, in an industry with which Howden has a rich history of working. This partnership will embed us further in the equine and wider sport and entertainment community enabling us to better understand and respond to the risk challenges it faces.

“We’re lining up a fantastic calendar of opportunities to engage our people, our clients and our partners – from formal race meetings to relaxed family days. We can’t wait to kick off the partnership with Royal Ascot next week.”

JSW 4 Jumps

Showjump manufacturer JSW 4 Jumps has partnered with training smartphone app Equipole — The Polework App.

Coach Leanne Cunningham developed the app during the first Covid-19 national lockdown as restrictions halted her busy teaching schedule.

“I had been wanting to develop a polework-specific app for a couple of years to provide unique polework layouts and exercises as well as a library of helpful tips and coach notes to help both horse and rider get the best out of their polework session,” she said. “I think it’s easy to see that polework is my passion! I think that it is the most versatile tool that can be introduced no matter what the discipline or level someone rides at. Having run polework clinics/lessons for numerous years, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have the right tools for the job.”

She added: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with the amazing team at JSW 4 Jumps – their products are not only fun and user friendly but reliable and safe – what more could you ask for?!”

Emma Watkinson, managing director at JSW 4 Jumps said: “ Leanne is so driven and passionate about all things polework – the fact that the Equipole app shot to number one in the download charts on both Google and Apple is testament to this – we are the perfect partnership.”

TopSpec

The equestrian feed specialists is continuing its support of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS, 6-10 October) as the showing arena sponsor.

TopSpec has supported the show for more than 16 years and took over sponsorship of the arena in 2016.

The week of showing in the TopSpec arena culminates in the preliminary judging for the supreme horse and pony of the year championships, with the supreme champions announced during the Sunday evening performance.

“I join many of our customers in feeling excited about the return of HOYS in October 2021,” said TopSpec nutrition director Nicola Tyler.

“They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, well, TopSpec’s heart was fond of HOYS already so we cannot wait to return. Showing at HOYS is the annual pinnacle every exhibitor wishes to be part of. Whether you show, watch fabulous horses and ponies, socialise with like-minded friends, shop, eat or just have a whale of a time the ‘end of term party’ atmosphere is there for everyone to soak up. We are delighted to once again sponsor the TopSpec arena where most of the showing takes place and we also enjoy having a trade stand nearby where we can guide clients towards the best choices for their horses and ponies.”

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(Image credit: Grossick Racing 07710461723)

Major title sponsors for Hickstead and Bicton, plus charity partner for Royal Windsor

The Royal International Horse Show has welcomed Prenetics as its new title sponsor for 2021, plus more partnership news

(Image credit: Grossick Racing 07710461723)

BETTALIFE

The nutrition specialist has partnered with British Eventing and EquiRatings to provide statistics on the support.

Company director Ryan Millar said: “We’re very proud to be partnering with

British Eventing and EquiRatings in delivering the key data from some of the best events in the UK.

“Our passion for equestrian sport really has been one of the core company values from conception, it’s great to be able to support all levels of eventing and celebrate the hard work of the incredible British Eventing talent.”

The horse that brought joy for his 90-year-old owner and 7 other stunning shots from Ascot and Haydock races

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 16:24:51 +0000

Racing provided another great couple of days of sport at Ascot and Haydock Park last weekend (23-24 January). Photographer Bill Selwyn was on hand to capture just a few of our favourite moments on camera…

To get us underway, First Flow and David Bass land over the last fence on their way to winning Ascot’s Grade One Clarence House Chase for trainer and H&H columnist Kim Bailey and 90-year-old owner Tony Solomons. Mr Solomons has been a loyal owner to Kim Bailey — he was one of the trainer’s first customers in 1979 and has remained with him ever since. This win also marked the first Grade One success for Kim since 1995.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The super-impressive seven-year-old Royale Pagaille storm to victory in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park. The son of Blue Bresil won by 16 lengths under Tom Scudamore for owner Mrs Ricci and trainer Venetia Williams, and has quotes of around 12/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Navajo Pass was a relatively surprising winner of The New One Unibet Hurdle, leading from start to finish in front of dual Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air, who was returning after a long absence due to injury, and Ballyandy. By Nathaniel (who is the sire of the likes of Enable) and out of an Authorized mare, this five-year-old was impressive under Sean Quinlan for trainer Donald McCain and owner T G Leslie.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Faivoir (left) and Bridget Andrews jump the last in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock to beat Minella Drama and Sam Twiston-Davies (right) for trainer Dan Skelton and owner Suzanne Lawrence.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Silver Hallmark and Adam Wedge make all to win the Novices’ Chase at Haydock for Fergal O’Brien and Mr and Mrs William Rucker.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Continued below…

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Protek Des Flos and Richie McLernon (in the green and gold colours, white cap) on their way to winning a handicap chase at Haydock for Ben Haslam and J P McManus.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Serious Ego (right) jumps the last en-route to winning the closing race on the card at Haydock, completing the second part of a double on the day for Sean Quinlan. By Sholokhov, this eight-year-old is trained by Nicky Richards and owned by K Haughey and Laura Haughey.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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‘My life has changed beyond recognition’: racing community backs Movember in support of men’s health

Lucy Elder — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 05:02:48 +0000

ITV racing presenter Chris Hughes and Flat jockey Kieran Shoemark have spoken about their struggles to encourage others to do the same.

The pair have teamed up with Movember, the first official charity partner of QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot (19 October), to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

Kieran, who has served a suspension from racing following a failed drugs test nearly a year ago, explained how opening up was the turning point for getting his life back.

“I certainly struggled to open up, I kind of didn’t know how to,” he said.

“I spoke to many people because I was forced to. They knew something was up and I didn’t really know myself. Sometimes you can’t even recognise it yourself and other people spot it before you.

“Since I asked for help, I can’t stress how drastically my life has changed beyond mine and anyone’s recognition.”

Chris and Kieran were talking in the Movember Man Van, which will be at Ascot on Saturday offering men’s health advice, free haircuts and shoe shines.

“Kieran and I have had quite different experiences but we both found that opening up and talking about what we were going through was the best thing we could have done,” said Chris, who did a stint on Love Island and is now a presenter on ITV Racing.

“As men we do sometimes feel like we can’t be honest or show our vulnerability but the sooner you open up, the better. Hopefully by sharing our stories we can encourage other men to seek the help they might need.”

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Movember is a charity that aims to challenge the way men’s health is approached and supported.

Prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention are among the areas the charity is addressing.

Since 2003, it has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects globally and is aiming to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25% by 2030.

“We’re proud to have Movember as the official charity partner of QIPCO British Champions Series and for the Movember Man Van to be on course for QIPCO British Champions Day, helping to raise awareness about the vital work they do tackling the biggest health issues facing men,” said British Champions Series chief executive Rod Street.

“With free haircuts and much more on offer, I hope everyone is able to stop by to enrich what will already be a fantastic day.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Children from tough city backgrounds take to the Ascot turf during pony racing initiative

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:24:00 +0000

Young jockeys and their mini mounts took to the hallowed Ascot Racecourse turf on Monday, 8 April, during a pony-racing day organised by the Lord Leconfield branch of the Pony Club.

For many of the youngsters, racing is in their blood and they have become established jockeys in the racing saddle at a young age, but for five children on Monday, the day’s experience was a far cry from their home-life in the City.

The children from Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, London, have been trained up by coach Natalie O’Rourke at her Park Lane Stables in Teddington over a period of six months — enjoying two training sessions a month culminating in the Ascot raceday.

“I did a total of 12 sessions with the children, who are all from disadvantaged backgrounds without their own ponies to ride,” said Natalie. “They were all so committed to the training and I gave them fitness targets to work on at home, including some running and squat exercises.”

The training started in the sand school at Park Lane Stables on the riding school’s ponies, building the children’s balance and confidence, before they headed out on hacks in the parkland surrounding the yard.

During the final countdown to the raceday at Ascot, Natalie took the children and ponies to the point-to-point yard of Phil York in Effingham, Surrey, to use his gallops on Sundays.

“This helped the children become more competent going fast on the ponies and, although there were some tumbles along the way, all the children did brilliantly,” Natalie added.

“They had all had lessons at Ebony previously, but had never ridden at the standard of their fellow competitors at Ascot. My role as their coach was to build their confidence and teach them vital racing skills such as bridging their reins — they all worked so hard and I am very proud of them.

“All of their mounts were riding-school ponies from Park Lane Stables, which shows how versatile ponies can be.”

The icing on the cake came in the maiden 148cm race, when one of Natalie’s students, 12-year-old O’Shane Marsh (pictured, below), won on his debut aboard “the best all-rounder you could ever meet”, Dougie.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“All the children did so well on the day, but to get a winner was a fairytale,” added Natalie, who has been involved in the Pony Racing Authority (PRA) initiative for three years. “O’Shane was really chuffed with his achievement and his family was there to watch him, they were over the moon too. I think the cheer he received was louder than the one for Tiger Roll at Aintree on Saturday!

“The goal now for O’Shane is to pursue his dream of being a jockey and he will head to the British Racing School when he is old enough.”

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(Image credit: Future)

Natalie’s Park Lane Stables works collaboratively with Ebony Horse Club in an initiative funded by the PRA. Following the raceday at Ascot, there is a graduate scheme put in place by the PRA, which is designed to help young jockeys climb the ladder and progress onto faster ponies.

“The initiative is a great way for children, who have grown up in difficult circumstances and don’t have a pony, to channel their energy in a positive way,” she added. “For many who struggle at school, it is also a path into a career within the racing industry.

“It is brilliant to be involved in the scheme, after all everyone has to start somewhere. I will now start training another five children for a pony-racing day at Lingfield in October.”

The selection process for the young Ebony jockeys includes them writing a letter to the PRA explaining their wish to be on the pony-racing scheme.

“It is such a great opportunity for these children,” concluded Natalie. “Seeing them gallop past the finishing post at Ascot is always very special.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Can British sports stars beat the world’s fastest racehorse?

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 15:24:15 +0000

What happens when some British sports stars take on one of the fastest racehorses?

The Charlie Hills-trained Battaash is rated the best sprint horse in the world and is set to run on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot (20 October).

Having been calculated that the four-year-old son of Dark Angel ran 10 metres in an impressive 1.71 seconds, the challenge was set to the sports stars including top athlete Adam Gemili, former Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, rugby player Danny Care and Group One-winning jockey Oisin Murphy.

So would any of these tough athletes be able to trump the speed of this lightning-fast racehorse?

Impressively, the answer was yes. Albeit, no surprise that the runner was the one to take the title in a time of 1.47 seconds.

“It gave me a real sense of just how quick and powerful racehorses are,” said the victor Adam. “I’m delighted to beat Battaash’s time, but I’m not carrying a jockey or breaking out of the stalls in race.

“For a half tonne horse, like Battaash, to be able to cover 10 metres from a standing start in 1.71 seconds is pretty incredible. I’ve even more respect for the jockeys for staying on board during that acceleration.”

Oisin, who finished lower down the scoreboard in a time of 2.03 seconds, added: “I think my time demonstrates why I ride the horses and don’t actually sprint myself. As a jockey, you get used to travelling on board a horse at such speed, but it was really interesting to look at it from a different point of view and see how some of Britain’s top sports stars compared.”

Meanwhile, Victoria, who also had a spell in the saddle as a jockey, was surprised with her result, a time of 1.93 seconds, and said: “As a former track cycling sprinter, I thought I might have a bit of explosive speed to have a chance against some of the others but the time just goes so quickly.

“Having trained to be a jockey myself I’ve been lucky to work with lots of amazing racehorses, so I know how much power they generate. They are incredible creatures, hopefully today’s activity shows everyone how powerful they are.”

Rugby player Danny Care finished in a time of 1.88 seconds and added: “I never really appreciated how fast these champion horses went until I had to race against one.

“In rugby, it’s all about power and speed. I can’t imagine what it takes for a jockey — in terms of agility and strength — to stay on board when they’re travelling so quickly.”

For all the latest equestrian news, features and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine — on sale every Thursday.

Cheeky pony transformed into unicorn in Christmas video

Caroline Bankes — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:20:19 +0000

Shetland pony Daffy is transformed into a unicorn for Ascot racecourse’s latest Christmas video.

The eight-year-old white grey pony has starred in Ascot’s last three Christmas productions.

In the first he donned a festive foursie for the camera and in the second he met his true love Daphne, another Shetland.

Daffy is one of four equines owned by Jackie Rowberry, a second generation animal trainer.

“He’s a really clever little pony, very quirky and likes doing tricks. I’ve taught him to rear, shake paws and walk to heel. Now I’m teaching him how to bow,” said Ms Rowberry, who runs Animal Dramatics.

Daffy’s fan club is growing following his performances in the Ascot videos.

“He’s a cheeky little thing but really likes dressing up,” Ms Rowberry told H&H.

In the video Daffy is transformed from a hairy Shetland into a mythical creature, complete with colourful mane and a specially designed horn.

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(Image credit: Ascot Racecourse)

Shetland ‘couple’ model his and hers festive finery

Ascot racecourse has made a short film of the diminutive pair sporting their seasonal togs

(Image credit: Ascot Racecourse)

Shetland feeling festive in new Christmas threads

The festive "foursie" has been tailored by Ascot racecourse

“We’re delighted to welcome Daffy back as the star of our Christmas video this year and to make his ultimate wish come true was a fitting way to celebrate his third year,” said Juliet Slot, commercial director of Ascot racecourse.

“From meeting his Shetland love Daphne in 2016 to becoming a unicorn in 2017, Daffy always brings the perfect dose of magic and warmth to set the tone for the festive season at Ascot racecourse,” she added.

Daffy won’t be at the racecourse at the Christmas racing meeting on 22-23 December but young racegoers will be able to meet Father Christmas, pet his reindeer friends and follow the candy cane trail.

Tickets start at £18 for adults on Friday and £24 on Saturday, entry is free for all accompanied children under 18 years.

Ascot’s 2018 fixture list kicks off on 20 January with the Clarence House Chase raceday.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Michael Owen finishes second in his first charity race

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 07:04:27 +0000

Former top footballer Michael Owen took to the saddle for his race debut yesterday (24 November), finishing runner-up in the Prince’s Countryside Fund charity race at Ascot.

The 37-year-old, who only started riding this year, partnered the Tom Dascombe-trained Calder Prince. The handler is based at Michael’s Manor House Stables in Cheshire.

“He’s a diamond of a horse. I can’t keep the smile off my face and I loved it. It was better than I expected and we seemed to go really quick early on — that’s probably the fastest I’ve ever been on a horse,” Michael told Racing UK after the seven-furlong contest.

“He whipped through to the front off the bend and I thought ‘come on now’ but it was a long final furlong and I got very tired.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Watch football star Michael Owen take a tumble off racehorse

“It’s made me think to myself that I need to do some hard work between now and Ascot”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Exclusive look inside Michael Owen’s Manor House Stables

Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the former footballer's Manor House Stables in Cheshire

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Michael Owen pays tribute to stable star Brown Panther

Michael Owen's top horse suffered a fatal injury in the Irish St Leger

The eventual winner, point-to-point jockey Tom Chatfield-Roberts, partnered the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Golden Wedding.

The rider has recently qualified from the Royal Veterinary College and has pointed for the past six seasons, riding over 20 winners.

“It was a great thrill to get past the winning post at Ascot in front,” said Tom. “The race was good fun, but we went a little bit quicker than I’m used to. It was a great experience and a day I will never forget.”

The winning trainer said on Twitter: “Well done to Tom C-R for winning the charity race on Golden Wedding. Sorry Michael Owen for beating you. You gave it a great ride. Well done.”

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended Ascot racecourse today to award the prize-winners following the charity race.

Qatari racehorse owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani came home in third — having first ridden in a charity race in 2015 — while event rider Harry Meade finished sixth.

Between the 10 “jockeys” who took part, around £40,000 was raised through sponsorship in aid of the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Watch football star Michael Owen take a tumble off racehorse

Lucy Elder — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 06:53:42 +0000

Former star striker Michael Owen took his first — and second — tumble during preparations for his race-riding debut.

The retired England footballer was on the gallops at the British Racing School in Newmarket when the horse he was riding spooked and spun, depositing Michael on the floor before trotting off to eat grass.

Minutes later, Michael’s mount left him on his backside for a second time.

Both horse and rider were fine and Michael remounted to continue with the assessment day ahead of the Prince’s Countryside Fund charity race at Ascot on 24 November.

He admitted afterwards the transition from owner to jockey is proving tougher than he first thought.

“Today was really insightful and, if anything, it has brought me on a lot but also put me back a couple of strides because it was the first time I’ve fallen off of a horse – twice!” said Michael, adding training for the race has been “a big learning curve”.

“It’s made me think that they’re not machines.

“I’ve been doing some practice back at home and it felt very easy and I thought I would breeze it.

“Today, there’s been wide open spaces, horses you don’t know and it’s been very, very different.

“It’s made me think to myself that I need to do some hard work between now and Ascot.”

Michael, who only sat on a horse for the first time this year, will be riding one of his own racehorses in the charity race.

He tweeted on 1 November that he had 24lb to lose in 24 days to make the weight for his race-riding debut.

Leading event rider Harry Meade, Ledbury Hunt master Louise Daly and Qatar racing chief Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al Thani are also among the 11 riders taking part.

Michael also took part in the standard fitness test, which included planks, squats on balance boards and a bleep test.

“It was a tough fitness test, it was obviously specific to what you’re going to be doing so some of it was not what I would have normally done in my career,” he added.

“A lot of strength work and balance and posture and core, work on your thighs, so it was interesting and quite punishing at times actually.”

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(Image credit: Ascot Racecourse)

‘It left my legs feeling like jelly’: Watch Michael Owen take to the saddle

Find out how the former football star got

(Image credit: Ascot Racecourse)

A day in the life of Michael Owen’s racing yard Manor House Stables

H&H visits Manor House Stables in Cheshire to

(Image credit: Ascot Racecourse)

Star footballer takes to the saddle to ride at Ascot

The former England footballer has long had a

Michael’s love of racing is well known — he is a prominent racehorse owner and landlord of Manor House Stables in Cheshire, from which Tom Dascombe has trained since 2009.

Among his stable stars was Brown Panther, who Michael bred and owned. The horse won the 2015 Dubai World Cup, the 2011 King George V stakes at Royal Ascot and the 2013 Goodwood Cup.

“I found in life that a lot of things look easy on the eye,” said Michael.

“You go to a stadium or you watch on TV and everything looks quite easy, and then you try and do it yourself and you think it’s quite hard.

“Then you see the jockeys up close and what they do and it’s nigh-on impossible.

“It’s people at the very top of their games and very top of their sports and they are exceptional at it.

“I think you can only get that respect from trying it yourself and realising how difficult it is and then when you consider they’re half your weight and controlling half a ton of animal.

“It’s fascinating how good they are and how difficult it has been to understand how to do it.”

Videos by The Princes’ Countryside Fund

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Watch what happens when a sprinter compares training regimes with a racehorse

Madeleine Silver — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 17:00:22 +0000

In just 10 days time the world's top equine sprinter Harry Angel will run at Britain’s richest raceday, QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot (21 October 2017). Two legged sprinter Adam Gemili paid him a visit to compare their training regimes...

The four-legged sprinter

Winner of two Group One races, the three-year-old Harry Angel is trained by Lambourn-based Clive Cox.

“He has a lot of talent,” says Clive. “He’s always shown us that quality — it’s about raw ability and producing that fine edge to go and compete on the right day.

“With more racing experience I think the confidence has grown enormously. Ascot itself is a big amphitheatre — there’s an awful lot of atmosphere there to deal with for any horse, and it can get the better of some horses on the day.”

The two-legged sprinter

Gemili was part of the 4x100m gold medal relay team at this summer’s World Athletics Championships along with CJ Ujah, Daniel Talbot and Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake.

“It was such a privilege to go and visit Harry Angel ahead of him running at QIPCO British Champions Day,” he says.

“I was blown away by how many similarities there are between my training regime and his, including maintaining fitness, scheduling faster sprint work and getting ready for competition. It was amazing to meet him and his trainer Clive Cox and I can’t wait to see him race on the day.”

What is the QIPCO British Champions Series?

The series is designed to throw the spotlight on Britain’s best Flat races and climaxes on 21 October with QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.

It features 35 Flat races staged at 10 of the UK’s leading racecourses: Ascot, Doncaster, Epsom Downs, Goodwood, Haydock Park, Newbury, Newmarket’s July Course, Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, Sandown Park and York.

There are five easy-to-follow champion categories — sprint, mile, middle distance, long distance and fillies and mares.

To get your tickets to QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot racecourse, including George Ezra after-party, go to britishchampionsday.co.uk

For our full report from QIPCO British Champions Day, don’t miss the 26 October 2017 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Frankie Dettori’s son gets his first taste of Ascot (on a Shetland…)

Madeleine Silver — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:06:48 +0000

When your father has ridden over 3,000 British winners, including clinching the Derby twice, you might think you’d want to give racing a miss — the expectation to succeed could weigh too heavily on your shoulders.

But Frankie Dettori’s youngest of five children Rocco appears to be relishing the challenge — albeit on a Shetland rather than a thoroughbred for the time being.

As 12-year-old Rocco gears up for the Shetland Pony Grand National at Olympia at the end of the year (12 – 18 December 2017), he headed to Ascot racecourse yesterday (31 July 2017) to get some top tips from his dad to give him the edge.

“After winning here on Saturday it was really special to be able to bring Rocco here, his first time on a racetrack,” said Frankie, who cruised to victory in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Enable on Saturday (29 July 2017).

“There has been more press interest in me today with Rocco, than there was on Saturday!”

As well as putting his son through his paces on the racetrack, Frankie found time to show Rocco the ropes for that iconic winning dismount.

Frankie Dettori takes his son Rocco to new heights at Ascot Racecourse ahead of them both riding at Olympia,The London International Horse Show. Frankie is looking to retain his title in the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, whilst Rocco will be making his debut in the Shetland Pony Grand National in aid of The Bob Champion Cancer Trust.Ascot31/7/16.©Cranhamphoto.com (Image credit: Mark Cranham)

Frankie Dettori will also be competing at Olympia to defend his title in the Markel Champions Challenge — where some of Britain’s top jump jockeys test their mettle against their Flat counterparts in an against-the-clock showjumping competition — in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

But Frankie will face stiff competition as AP McCoy is preparing to step out of retirement to rival the world’s most famous flat jockey.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Pictures by ©Cranhamphoto.com

For more information about Olympia Horse Show, visit olympiahorseshow.com

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

9 great products to help you throw the ultimate picnic

Lucy Pearson — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 11:56:34 +0000

Whether you are planning a picnic at Royal Ascot, at the polo, at your favourite horse trials or on a country jaunt at home, we bring you nine products that will make your picnic enjoyable and easy

NB: The shopping links below are provided to help you buy these items. We may earn a small commission from some of these links.

Linden Leisure Trio seat stick

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This easy to use seat stick is suitable for people who want to sit for a longer periods of time or require greater stability than the traditional shooting-stick. The Trio seat can be used as a walking stick and then provide a comfortable oval chair when opened. We think this is great for using as a seat at a picnic which you can then use as a perch anywhere else around the venue.

RRP: £46.95

Visit: www.farlows.co.uk

Buy now at amazon.co.uk

Personalised Tweed picnic blanket

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This classic tweed picnic blanket, with a waterproof underneath that comes in two different sizes which can you also personalise will add a touch of class to any country picnic. The small or large picnic blanket folds up into an easy carry size with a popper to keep it secure. It is a great blanket that you can keep in your car or in your horsebox and pull out when needed.

RRP: from £49.75

Visit:www.notonthehighstreet.com

Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly picnic hamper

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ideal for any outdoor feast, this classic picnic basket is equipped with Fortnum’s signature print mugs and plates, four wine glasses, four cutlery sets, a drawstring bag and an insulated flask. It also includes miniature salt and pepper mills, the all-essential corkscrew and cotton napkins. We think this is perfect for Ascot, Badminton and any other special equine events

RRP: £375

Visit: www.fortnumandmason.com

Steady Stick glass and bottle picnic set

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

These stick holders are a very convenient way to make sure that you don’t spill your beverages while enjoying a picnic. The sticks hold a standard wine bottle, wine glasses, high ball glasses and champagne flutes.

RRP: £6

Buy now at amazon.co.uk

Camping table with built-in chairs

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Not only is this fold-up set of table and chairs practical and extremely easy to handle, they are also smart and hard-wearing. The real wood table also serves as transport case and can be set up in seconds so that you and three friends can enjoy an English summer’s picnic without sitting on the ground.

RRP: £41.99

Visit: www.manomano.co.uk

Fresh English picnic

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

If rustling up a culinary masterpiece leaves you cold, then this is exactly what you need for entertaining at your favourite horse trials or race meetings without any of the effort. This picnic includes scones, jam, cream, coronation chicken, salad, salmon roulades, pies, crisps, chutney, cheese, oatcakes, napkins and cutlery, which can all be delivered to your door.

RRP: for four people, £110

Visit: www.englishcreamtea.com

Igloo Maxcold Island rolling cool box

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

When throwing a picnic on a hot day, keeping your food and drink cold is quite a feat. This cold cooler helps you with this as it is offers very good cold retention, locking lid and cool rider technology. It is also very easy to transport, as we all know that often parking is a long distance from the action while at some polo, racing or eventing events.

RRP: £63.49

Buy now at amazon.co.uk

Portable picnic gazebo

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Quite often setting up your picnic in the shade on a hot summer’s day is quite hard so this portable, easy to set up gazebo is a great way to combat this. It is made from a metal frame with waterproof and UV resistant cloth with a double roof designed for good air circulation. It comes with ground nails and extra panels for stability and more shade.

RRP: £124.99

Buy now at amazon.co.uk

Horses picnic cool bag

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This equine-themed picnic bag is designed for horse lovers with extra thick insulation, perfect for keeping drinks cool for hours. There are comfortable and sturdy woven grey carry handles and a shoulder strap, great for lugging your drinks and food at a day at the point-to-point or a festival.

RRP: £32

Visit: www.gallopguru.co.uk

Buy now at amazon.co.uk

‘I went faster than I have ever been’: Brixton teens make racing debut at Ascot

Lucy Elder — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 06:02:49 +0000

Young equestrians from an inner-city riding school made their racecourse debut at none other than the hallowed ground of Ascot earlier this week.

Members of Brixton’s Ebony Horse Club have been learning to race-ride over the past 18 months in a joint scheme with the Pony Racing Authority (PRA).

Four aspiring jockeys from south east London have been taking part in the initiative, which has also enlisted the help of Julie and Patrick Scott of Appletree Stud in Banbury.

On Monday (10 April), two of these members — Grace Mpungi and Abdus Mellah — both aged 13, rode in their first race at the Lord Leconfield Hunt’s Pony Club Raceday at Ascot.

Their respective rides were Eddy and Trigger, both leant by Park Lane Stables in Teddington.

“To begin with I felt a bit sick because I was so nervous,” said Grace. “The race went by in a flash — I went faster than I have ever been before and I was really proud of myself.

“For me to be racing at a prestigious place like Ascot gives me a great story to tell my family and friends. I would definitely do it again.”

Fantastic pony racing debut for Grace from @EbonyHorseClub @Ascot and for completing the @gbponyracing & @RFoundation01 scheme pic.twitter.com/mTwoW0APTRFantastic pony racing debut for Grace from @EbonyHorseClub @Ascot and for completing the @gbponyracing & @RFoundation01 scheme pic.twitter.com/mTwoW0APTR— PonyRacingAuthority (@gbponyracing) April 10, 2017— PonyRacingAuthority (@gbponyracing) April 10, 2017

They were joined by a support team of family, friends, volunteers, youth workers and fellow Ebony Horse Club members.

“I had an amazing day and loved the environment,” said Abdus (pictured, top).

“It was a good learning opportunity and it taught me what I should and shouldn’t do for next time.

“I went so fast as I rode up I could see the stands and the scenery was mind blowing. I had this rush of adrenaline. I love racing!”

Ebony Horse Club is a charity that offers young people an opportunity to learn to ride and care for horses.

Based between tower blocks and a railway line in Coldharbour — one of the most disadvantaged areas of the capital — the charity provides access to horses for more than 160 youngsters a week.

Edward Gillespie, former managing director at Cheltenham and PRA chairman, has been among those helping the young riders. He also attended the day and gave the supporters a tour of the world-famous racecourse and to explain the ins and outs of racing.

“Seeing Grace and Abdus ride so well in their first ever races was a real thrill,” he said. “Many, many congratulations to all the team at Ebony Horse Club for taking this project on with such enthusiasm and expertise.

“This is just the beginning and the PRA looks forward to working with Ebony and other city-centre equestrian academies to give young people an opportunity to fulfill a dream of experiencing race-riding.”

Amazing @ThePonyClub day out at @Ascot with our @gbponyracing candidates & friends from @EbonyHorseClub. Huge thanks 2 the organisers & team pic.twitter.com/svr8k1He74Amazing @ThePonyClub day out at @Ascot with our @gbponyracing candidates & friends from @EbonyHorseClub. Huge thanks 2 the organisers & team pic.twitter.com/svr8k1He74— ParkLaneStables (@ParkLaneStables) April 10, 2017— ParkLaneStables (@ParkLaneStables) April 10, 2017

Letty Porter, engagement and funding manager at Ebony Horse Club, told H&H that it was the “most amazing day”.

“To have Brixton riders on Ascot racecourse was just incredible,” she added. “What was amazing about the whole day was that it was a replica of a professional race meeting.

“The young riders had to be registered and weigh-in with their saddles — it was all done very properly — and there were escort ponies to take the combinations down to the racetrack.

“That was what made it so incredibly special.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Woolly jumpers: watch Ascot’s racesheep train for glory

Lucy Elder — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 09:58:50 +0000

Leaning out of his Land Rover with a watchful eye on his string is an iconic image of a trainer.

But there is one tiny difference in these four-legged “athletes” he is preparing — breeding. Or more specifically, breed.

Ascot racecourse has created the hilarious video of how “racesheep trainer” William Shepherd prepares for the race of the season — the Lamb National — ahead of the big day on 2 April.

“You get used to the early starts — they are mad keen for it,” quips Mr Shepherd.

“They just want to be off and out there, and I do too.”

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Head groom Jess Shearman takes viewers behind the scenes in the working of the rather woolly yard.

“I love it, don’t get me wrong they have their moments, especially coming up to a big raceday, but they are finely-tuned athletes,” she explains.

“Things do get a bit tense as we get nearer the big day, well the gaffer’s won the big one at Ascot six times now. He’s a bit of a hero down there really. He still does get nervous.

“The two we have this year are serious sheep — Rammy especially. He will be the favourite I think, and he deserves it.”

Meanwhile on the gallops, the woolly jumpers show enormous amounts of scope as they cruise over the practice hurdles.

Punters will have two chances to spot the bleating athletes in action as the crowd-favourite Lamb National runs twice on Ascot’s Spring Family Raceday.

The six Herdwick sheep, including legendary favourites Red Ram and Mint Sauce, will spring across mini fences on the Queen Anne Lawns at 11am and 2.40pm.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Star footballer takes to the saddle to ride at Ascot

Lucy Elder — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 18:18:14 +0000

Former England footballer Michael Owen is set to ride at Ascot.

Michael is planning on making his race-riding debut in The Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity Race on 24 November at Ascot racecourse.

The sporting hero’s passion for racing is well known — but it was only this year that he sat on a horse for the first time.

“It has been a long-term ambition of mine to learn how to ride and race, but as a professional footballer it was not possible,” said Michael, who has 89 England caps.

“Now I have set myself the target of competing in The Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity Race.

“It’s a brilliant cause and I can’t wait to get started; it is going to take a lot of hard work over the next few months, but I am really looking forward to it.”

Michael is a prominent racehorse owner and landlord of Manor House Stables in Cheshire, from which Tom Dascombe has trained since 2009.

Among his stable stars was Brown Panther, who Michael bred and owned. The horse won the 2015 Dubai World Cup, the 2011 King George V stakes at Royal Ascot and the 2013 Goodwood Cup.

In 2013, Michael voiced his desire to learn to ride with the hope of taking part in a charity race — and has kept true to his word.

Article continues below…

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Last autumn, top Flat jockey Ryan Moore put Michael through his paces aboard a racehorse simulator during his first “riding lesson”.

During the session at the British Racing School in Newmarket, Michael rode the equivalent of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes — a six-furlong race held on Champions Day at Ascot.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund, founded by Prince Charles in 2010, was set up to support British farmers and the countryside. It provides more than £1.5million in annual grants and runs its own programmes.

Shetland ‘couple’ model his and hers festive finery

Lucy Elder — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:05:20 +0000

Remember Daffy — the adorable Shetland pony who donned a festive “foursie” to get into the Christmas spirit? Well he is back… and he has found love.

Ascot racecourse has unveiled special “his and hers” Christmas rugs for the Shetland and his new lady-friend, Daphne.

The racecourse has created a short film of the diminutive pair’s “chance encounter” and is encouraging all racegoers to don their own festive finery at its Christmas Racing Weekend (16-17 December) for charity.

Visitors to the racecourse will be encouraged to make a donation at the meeting to Save The Children.

“Daffy was getting a bit lonely in his stables so it’s lovely that Ascot has helped me find him a new companion and made them matching Christmas outfits,” said Daffy’s owner Jackie Rowberry, an animal trainer at TV and film company Animal Dramatics.

“Daffy and Daphne will enjoy a lovely Christmas together and I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Ascot’s Chrismas Racing Weekend features its most valuable day of National Hunt racing (Saturday, 17 December) and is its final racing fixture of the year.

Article continues below…

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A video of Daffy in his seasonal one-piece went viral ahead of the meeting in 2015.

Jackie said at the time that she loved the fact the racecourse had created the special foursie for him so he could “get into the Christmas spirit”.

“In winter I always worry about Daffy getting chilly as he likes to spend so much time out of his stable,” she said.

“He has loved all the attention and is quite the envy among his stable buddies!”

Shetlands sporting patterned togs have made headlines several times over recent years.

Socks — the moonwalking pony of mobile phone company Three advert fame — donned a woolly jumper as a brand ambassador for the Shetland Isles, and Visit Scotland also dressed a couple of ponies in cardigans for one of its advertising campaigns.

Racing return for Hayley Turner ahead of Shergar Cup

Lucy Elder — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 12:31:57 +0000

Hayley Turner has made a return to the racecourse in a “warm-up” for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup next month.

The former top British female Flat jockey retired from racing in November last year.

But Hayley was back in action at Newmarket on Friday evening (15 July) as she prepares to help defend her title in the team event at Ascot on 6 August.

The Shergar Cup involves teams of jockeys — The Girls, Europe and The Rest of the World — go head-to-head in five races across the afternoon.

The Girls — Hayley, Sammy Jo Bell and Emma-Jayne Wilson — were victorious last year.

Australian jockey Michelle Payne had been set to compete alongside Emma-Jayne and Cathy Gannon at the 2016 event, but is out of action due to injury.

Hayley had three rides at Newmarket on Friday, finishing fifth on her first, Yankee Mail, trained by Gay Kelleway.

Her other two rides were the Marco Botti-trained Clenymistra in the Colchester Cancer Centre Campaign maiden fillies’ stakes and He’s My Boy, trained by James Fanshawe, in the Maritime Cargo Services handicap, with whom she finished third.

One of the most successful female jockeys of all time, in 2008 Hayley became the first lady rider to achieve 100 wins in a calendar year.

During her glittering 15-year career, she rode more than 760 British winners and became the first lady to score a victory for The Queen.

She was named champion apprentice in 2005, the same year she rode 44 winners.

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Her numerous top-level wins over the years include the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and the Beverley D Stakes at Arlington Park.

In Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday Honours list last month, Hayley was appointed OBE for services to horse racing.

Willy Twiston-Davies: ‘Royal Ascot has the power to turn a bad year into a great one’ H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 07:55:54 +0000

Winning at Royal Ascot is what you dream of as a Flat jockey and it was an unbelievable feeling to have my first win at the meeting on Thursday (16 June).

The atmosphere is second to none, with a huge crowd there cheering you on. Royal Ascot is, of course, very special and it has the power to turn a bad year into a great one instantly for all involved — jockeys, trainers and owners.

Coming home in front can be career-changing — of course you need to be on the right horse to win, but it was great to prove I can deliver on the big stage.

I was very fortunate to be riding Primitivo for Alan King in the King George V and it was nice to help Alan claim his first Royal Ascot winner too.

Alan has been a very loyal trainer to me. I ride out at his yard at Barbury Castle every Tuesday. He’s a brilliant trainer of both jump and Flat horses and always places horses so well in their races.

He’s very laid-back and simply told me to “ride as I find” during the race because it was such a big field of 16 runners.

Primitivo is a dream ride and very straightforward. I had won on him twice before, so I knew him well. He has an impressive turn of foot, which he displayed on Thursday and stayed really well over a mile-and-a-half.

I sat him in mid-division during the race; it all went smoothly and I was able to produce him at the end with a clear run, having found room on the outside. I knew I had a chance on him but to win was something else.

‘I don’t miss the jumps’

Words can’t describe the feeling of crossing the line in front at Royal Ascot, I was just trying to take it all in.

It was nice to have my mum there to see my first win at the meeting. Sadly my dad, trainer Nigel, and my brother, jump jockey Sam, had to go racing at Ffos Las but they caught it on TV.

I still keep an interest in jump racing through my dad and Sam, but I wouldn’t say I miss riding over fences any more. My focus now is very much on the Flat and I’m really keen on bloodstock and the pedigree of horses — I buy a few foals each year.

Winning the Aintree Fox Hunters’ in 2011 will always be a highlight, but since my first win on the Flat for Richard Hannon aged 17, I haven’t looked back.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 23 June 2016

Inspired by Royal Ascot? Don’t miss the first race next year with these dream properties

Madeleine Silver — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 16:25:28 +0000

If you’re looking for a country retreat with equestrian facilities on the doorstep of some of the world’s best Flat racing, take a look at these properties for sale a stone’s throw from Ascot.

1. The Bridge House, Berkshire

(Image credit: William Hodgson)

Distance to Ascot racecourse: 25 minutes by car.

For you: a heavily timbered Grade II listed house in a beautiful rural setting, with four bedrooms, formal landscaped gardens and a heated outdoor pool. There is planning permission for an oak-frame annexe.

For the horses: a 100sq/m stable block with two boxes that is ready to be fitted out with more. There is also a hay barn with two more stables and separate access for a lorry. Set in two acres.

What’s the damage? £1.5m

Agent: Prospect PHD

Telephone number: 01189 799005

Visit: www.prospect.co.uk

2. Stable View, Berkshire

(Image credit: burgessl)

Distance to Ascot racecourse: 45 minutes by car.

For you: a large detached family house with five bedrooms, a four-oven AGA and walk-in larder, plus lawned gardens with rural views.

For the horses: the stables are set around a central concrete yard with 19 loose boxes, a tack room, feed room, day room and rug room. There is a sand and rubber arena with permission for six floodlights. It’s on the edge of Bucklebury Common, and set in 13.1 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.35m

Agent: Pike Smith & Kemp Rural

Telephone number: 01628 777666

Visit: www.pskrural.co.uk

3. Viners, Berkshire

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Distance to Ascot racecourse: 25 minutes by car.

For you: an attractive country house set just outside of Twyford, with seven bedrooms, a games room, playroom, swimming pool, tennis court and detached recording studio.

For the horses: the stable yard comprises nine loose boxes and a hay store. There is a separate courtyard accessed from a country lane to the north of the property, which includes a good range of secondary outbuildings including two additional loose boxes. Set in 10.5 acres.

What’s the damage? £2.95m

Agent: Savills

Telephone number: 01491 843001

Visit: www.savills.co.uk

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4. Milhanger, Surrey

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Distance to Ascot racecourse: 40 minutes by car.

For you: an Arts and Crafts-style Surrey mansion with seven bedrooms and an indoor leisure complex including a pool, Jacuzzi, gym and steam room. There is a party barn and a two-bedroom staff cottage, plus a four-bedroom Grade II listed former water mill.

For the horses: a stable yard with 10 loose boxes, an all-weather arena and fenced paddocks. Set in 74 acres.

What’s the damage? £6.25m

Agent: Knight Frank

Telephone number: 01483 610308

Visit: www.knightfrank.co.uk

Next week: Equestrian properties in Wiltshire

Ref: Horse & Hound; 16 June 2016

Shetland feeling festive in new Christmas threads

Lucy Elder — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:05:54 +0000

A Shetland pony is getting into the Christmas spirit with a specially designed festive “foursie”.

Ascot racecourse has tailored a seasonal one-piece for Shetland pony, Daffy, to keep him snug when the weather outside is frightful.

Nick Smith, from Ascot, said they wanted to do something fun and festive to mark the racecourse’s Christmas Racing Weekend (18-19 December).

Daffy is owned by Jackie Rowberry, a trainer at animal TV and film company Animal Dramatics.

“In winter I always worry about Daffy getting chilly as he likes to spend so much time out of his stable,” she said.

“I love the fact that Ascot has created a special foursie for Daffy so that he can get into the Christmas spirit.

“He has loved all the attention and is quite the envy among his stable buddies!”

Shetlands donning patterned togs also made headlines in 2013 when Visit Scotland dressed a couple of ponies in cardigans for an advertising campaign.

Last year, Socks — the moonwalking pony of mobile phone company Three advert fame — also sported a woolly jumper as a brand ambassador for the Shetland Isles to help boost tourism in Scotland.

The racecourse is encouraging visitors to follow Daffy’s lead and wear their favourite Christmas attire to the event.

Ascot racecourse unveils a festive ‘foursie’, modelled by Shetland pony, Daffy, to keep him warm ahead of Ascot's Christmas Racing Weekend. (Image credit: Ascot Racecourse)

“Racegoers often turn out in their Christmas outfits and we raise a lot of money for local charities too,” added Mr Smith.

The two-day fixture is the Berkshire racecourse’s final meet of 2015.

Friday features two Grade Two races — the Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle and the Novices’ Steeple Chase.

Saturday is Ascot’s most valuable day of National Hunt racing, with the highlight being the £150,000 Ladbroke Hurdle.

There will also be carol singing, mulled wine, mince pies and visits from Father Christmas over both days.

Go behind the scenes with Channel 4 Racing PICTURES

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 17:55:34 +0000

One highlight of the cold winter months for any National Hunt fan is spending Saturday afternoon on the sofa watching Channel 4 Racing. But what does it take to produce live action from the races every weekend, H&H were fortunate enough to go behind the scenes at Ascot to find out...

Preparing to go live on air

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

All the filming takes place in the studio truck, which has a pop-out side to allow for extra space. Final preparations for The Morning Line going on air at 8am are underway. Each presenter is given an earpiece — through which the director Denise Large and producer Sophie Veats can prompt while the show is live. Rishi Persad is hosting the show and sits alongside Mick Fitzgerald and studio guests trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Tom Scudamore.

The nucleus of Channel 4 Racing

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Just a few cables here — all of the technical goings-on happen in the scanner, a separate truck located the otherside of the racecourse from the studio truck.

21 different screens

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Both Denise and Sophie, along with the gallery PA, Lynne, are also sat in the scanner truck — in front of an astounding 21 screens. Throughout the show Denise will prompt the team with which camera shots need to be used.

Breakfast time

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Once The Morning Line has gone off air, it is time for some re-fuelling and courtesy of Ascot racecourse, a full English breakfast is on the menu.

The production meeting

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

The afternoon’s producer, Jim Ramsey, arrives along with Rishi’s co-host Gina Harding for the production meeting at 10am. Amid plenty of laughter and joking around, the team work their way through the afternoon show’s script, making sure everyone is — literally — on the same page.

Video making

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

All morning the creative team, also located in the scanner truck, work on the video montages, which often open the afternoon show. Footage is collected from around the course all morning, including the trainers, jockeys and racegoers arriving. The team sift through the footage and decide what they want to use in the final video.

Preparations for going on air again

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

The team are back on the sofa by 1.30pm for the countdown to the afternoon’s action. Their make-up is touched up by make-up artist Charlotte. The presenters have a final look through the script, while Rishi also writes his opening scripts — the presenters never use autocue on the show.

The tracker vehicle

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Biff and Nick are in charge of the black Land Rover, which travels at 40mph around the inside of the track filming the runners in action. It is driven skillfully by Nick — who also engineered the design of the specially-adapted car. Attached to the top of the car is an imprssive globe-shaped camera which cost £250,000…

...While in the back

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Biff takes control of the camera in the back of the car while Nick drives at speed — he makes sure the relevant runners are always in the correct shot.

Interviewing outside with Gina

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

While Rishi and Mick are presenting from the studio, Gina has the more hectic job of being out-and-about interviewing jockeys and the horses’ connections…

…and talking to the winner

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

During the race Gina watches each horse to see how they are running and writes notes down — she will also come up with a number of questions to ask the victorious jockey.

Don’t miss the full feature about how Channel 4 Racing works in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (12 November 2015)

9 reasons why QIPCO British Champions Day was a big hit PICTURES

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 16:25:46 +0000

With record prize-money, a huge crowd, champions being crowned and much more, Ascot racecourse hosted a fitting finale to the Flat seaon (17 October)

1. £4.1million prize-money

It was the fifth year this prestigious raceday has been held and 2015 broke records for prize-money offered in Britain on a single day.

2. A crowd of 30,697

Attendance on the day at Ascot racecourse was up by nearly 2,000 on last year’s figure (28,741) — it was the best attendance since Frankel won in 2012 (32,000).

3. A champion is crowned

Silvestre De Sousa (below) was presented with his 2015 Stobart champion Flat jockey title in front of a packed crowd.

Silvestre De Sousa Champion Jockey 2015 with a guard of honourAscot 17.10.15Pic Dan Abraham-racingfotos.comTHIS IMAGE IS SOURCED FROM AND MUST BE BYLINED "RACINGFOTOS.COM" (Image credit: RACINGFOTOS.COM)

Continued below…

4. A Royal day

Winning jockeys, owners and trainers received their trophies from The Queen and the Household Cavalry led the winners in (below).

Leading in the winner 17-10-15 (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

5. Curtain closes on 2015 season

It was a fitting finale to the European Flat racing season, with four Group One races out of the six on the racecard — the richest raceday in the British calendar.

6. Champion horses

Two of the races were won by outright champions; Solow (below), in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes ridden by Maxime Guyon, and Muhaarar, in Sprint Stakes ridden by Paul Hanagan.

Solow wins and has a well earned drink with a delighted Freddy Head (right) 17-10-15 (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

7. A battle to the finish

Simple Verse and Journey provided a thrilling finish to the Fillies and Mares Stakes. The eventual winner Simple Verse delighted owner Sheikk Fahad Al Thani — the raceday’s sponsor.

8. Flying Frankie

The first race of the day, the Long Distance Cup, went the way of Frankie Dettori and Flying Officer. The jockey didn’t disappoint the crowd following the race by doing his trademark flying dismount in the winners’ enclosure.

9. Rocking the grandstand

Paloma Faith closed the day’s proceeding with her performance after racing in front of the 30,000-strong crowd — along with Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson and Rick Parfitt Jnr.

Don’t miss the full report from QIPCO British Champions Day in the 22 October issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Ascot voted best racing venue in the country

Ellie Hughes — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 15:50:56 +0000

Ascot racecourse has been voted best racing venue in the country at the Racecourse Association (RCA) annual showcase and awards, which took place at Haydock Park earlier this month (13 November).

The Berkshire track won the prestigious showcase champion award, which recognises excellence and innovation at racecourses around Britain.

As well as being named overall champion, the racecourse also headed the food and beverage category with its newly-installed On 5 restaurant. The popular food spot has already welcomed top chefs Tom Kerridge and James Martin.

“It is a tremendous endorsement of everyone’s efforts to win three awards at the annual RCA showcase awards and it was particularly pleasing to be voted racecourse of the year by our own peers,” said chief executive of Ascot racecourse, Charles Barnett.

“We like to think we provide something for everyone at Ascot — from the best fine dining in the world at Royal Ascot in venues like our now award-winning On 5 Restaurant — to informal, fun and innovative events like the Red Bull Air Race in August [which topped the events category]. It isn’t straightforward to plan, market and then implement so many different attractions in such a busy calendar and all the staff at Ascot who make this happen deserve the recognition they received.”

The fifth annual showcase awards also celebrated the successes of other ventures and venues, including the Arena Racing Company, Cartmel, Musselburgh and Kempton Park.

Plumpton racecourse snatched the ground staff champions’ title, while Pontefract and York won the RCA customer service and the @RCAShowcase #TopSpot awards respectively.

Ralph Beckett: Going concerns [H&H VIP]

Ralph Beckett — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 12:55:39 +0000

In the run-up to last Saturday’s fantastic QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot there was a lot of adverse comment about the meeting being run on soft or, as it turned out, heavy ground.

One young Newmarket trainer was quoted as saying that he wouldn’t be running his horse in the new £250,000 Balmoral Handicap because the meeting was going to be run “on bad jumping ground” and that he thought it should be moved to earlier in the autumn.

Whichever way you look at it, that won’t happen. Because of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting at Longchamp two weeks earlier, there is no room for manoeuvre.

It has to be held on this weekend and there is no point debating the whys and wherefores.

As for the ground, sure it was very deep, but no one jumps up and down when it’s soft ground every other year at the aforementioned Arc meeting. That’s accepted as part of the deal, and the meeting is no lesser for it.

Besides that, there are plenty of top-class performers who handle, even relish, slow ground. Who is anybody to say that they should be discriminated against?

As for the idea of covering the course in the run-up, the track would be making a rod for their own back. How could you predict when to lay the covers, never mind the huge expense involved? As long as the meeting is not in danger, it should be left alone.

An occupational hazard

We are in the latter half of a year that from early summer to late autumn has favoured the fast-ground performers. That is the way the cookie crumbles, but for those of us with soft-ground horses — and I defy any trainer to say that he has none — their owners have had to be patient in the extreme!

Despite this, a large chunk of Newmarket’s flagship July meeting was run on slow ground.

We have to accept the weather is an occupational hazard, and get on with it. For example, even in the driest September since who knows when, Newbury had half an inch of rain just before their two-day meeting. On the first day, one trainer’s right-hand man was complaining loudly about their watering policy. It had to be pointed out to him that with that much rain it mattered not how much water they had put on.

Even if it did, what did he expect in mid-September?

Changing the date of British Champions Day to earlier in the autumn will not guarantee better ground, so the argument is pointless.

Whether to water

As for watering, the debate will rage on. Many feel that the tracks overwater — that it discriminates against fast-ground horses, and that it changes the nature of a track’s surface.

This winter, Yarmouth are taking up the turf on their straight track to sort out the ridges that have become progressively worse, and there is a feeling that this has come about because of continuous watering.

There has also been a good deal of complaint about the same problem on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, mostly from the jockeys.

Memorably, after this year’s 1000 Guineas, the winning (brilliant) trainer Andre Fabre was asked if he had any prior concerns about his filly Miss France handling the conditions. He replied: “No, not all. The Rowley Mile is the best course in the world, we love it, horses love it, it is only some jockeys who don’t like it”. Monsieur Fabre is well known for his autocratic handling of jockeys, but he has a point.

The tracks are in a difficult position, if they don’t water and produce firm ground, they attract small fields, which is to no one’s advantage. Generally, they do a pretty good job.

I have a much bigger problem with some of the inaccurate forecasting of what their ground will be on race day. But that is a whole other can of worms, and a subject for another day.

Free day at the races for students

Caroline Bankes — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 08:00:30 +0000

Students are being offered free entry to top-class Flat racing over the “Weekend of Champions” later this year (17-18 October).

The racing action includes six Group One races across Dubai future champions day at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile (17 October), and QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on (18 October).

The Ascot student day is sponsored by Sheikh Fahad al Thani of QIPCO Holding, whose passion for racing started when he was a student in London.

“It is important that British racing is proactive in introducing more young people to this wonderful sport,” he said.

The first 2,000 students to apply will be given free tickets.

This year’s initiative follows on from last year’s inaugural National Student Raceday.

Sophie Jenkins, a recent graduate from Nottingham University, attended the National Student Raceday 2013.

“Last year was a lot of fun and many of the students who attended had never been racing before,” she said. “To be offered the chance to attend the Weekend of Champions completely free is amazing, and I am sure that even more will go this year.”

For tickets for the Ascot meeting, visit the website and use the promotional code STUDENTSBCD.

Students will only be able to register for one ticket and will only be granted admission with a valid photo student ID.

To apply for up to four tickets to the Dubai Future Champions day, go to the Newmarket racecourse website and use the promotional code STUDENT14.

Amy Starkey, from the Jockey Club said: “We recognise that many people start their passion for racing at a young age and believe that the quality of the racing on offer will be a perfect introduction to our sport.”

Week in pictures: 1 August 2014

Horse & Hound — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 15:00:33 +0000

The hot weather hasn’t slowed down the H&H photographers this week.

Keep up to date with all the latest equestrian action with our picture desk’s pick of photos — from England and Argentina battling it out for the Coronation Cup at Guards to top-class racing at Ascot, and eventing from Burgham and Wilton.

Does the school holidays mean you’re stuck for things to do this week with your children? Take a look at our horsey ideas to keep you busy

VisitEngland names top 10 racecourses

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 08:00:01 +0000

The top 10 racecourses in the VisitEngland “Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme” have been revealed.

Ascot, Doncaster, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Newmarket, Plumpton, Salisbury, Wincanton, Royal Windsor and York racecourses rated highest in England and Wales in 2013 for visitor attraction (listed alphabetically).

Racecourses are assessed over a number of criteria, including the efficiency and friendliness of their customer service and the availability and cleanliness of facilities.

Last year VisitEngland including owners’ and trainers’ facilities in their assessments for the first time, which is reflected in each racecourses overall score.

All 10 racecourses “showed exceptional scores“.

The scheme will continue for 2014 and will see the introduction of accolades including:

* Best food outlet (takeaway style)

* Best café (walk-up only, seated meals, can be buffet/table service)

* Lovely loos

* Visitor information and signage (racecard, internal and external signage, car parks, PA and CCTV)

* Best bar area

“We are delighted to be able to continue our partnership with VisitEngland to offer customers a guarantee of quality when they visit British racecourses,” said the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Caroline Davies.

“This scheme, along with the one run by VisitScotland makes sure that racecourses are able to get constructive feedback which they can use to help them identify their strengths as well as areas that may need improvement.

“The variety in the racecourses that have made the top ten in 2013 is testament to the fact that you don’t need to be a big racecourse to offer a top quality visitor attraction and we believe the changes that we have made to the scheme in 2014 will only go to help racecourses achieve even more in this area”.

What is the weather forecast for Royal Ascot?

Sophia Heath — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 11:09:22 +0000

If you are planning on heading to Royal Ascot this week (17-21 June) then you are in luck as the weather gods are smiling. The latest forecasts are predicting that the week will be mostly dry and warm with long sunny periods.

Tuesday 17 June

1000

Temperature/feels like:14°C/12°C

Weather: some cloud with sunny spells

Wind: 12mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1300

Temperature/feels like:18°C/15°C

Weather: sunny

Wind: 12mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1600

Temperature/feels like:20°C/16°C

Weather: sunny

Wind: 13mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Wednesday 18 June

1000

Temperature/feels like:16°C/15°C

Weather: mainly cloudy with the chance of a light shower

Wind: 9mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1300

Temperature/feels like:18°C/17°C

Weather: dry and mainly cloudy with some sunny intervals

Wind: 11mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1600

Temperature/feels like:20°C/18°C

Weather: dry and mainly cloudy with some sunny intervals

Wind: 10mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Thursday 19 June

1000

Temperature/feels like:19°C/17°C

Weather: mainly sunny with some partial cloud cover

Wind: 10mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1300

Temperature/feels like:20°C/18°C

Weather: cloudy with some sunny intervals

Wind: 11mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1600

Temperature/feels like:21°C/19°C

Weather: mainly sunny with some partial cloud cover

Wind: 10mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Friday 20 June

1000

Temperature/feels like:14°C/14°C

Weather: cloudy with the chance of heavy showers

Wind: 3mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1300

Temperature/feels like:17°C/17°C

Weather: dry and cloudy

Wind: 3mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1600

Temperature/feels like:18°C/18°C

Weather: sunny

Wind: 4mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Saturday 21 June

1000

Temperature/feels like:17°C/16°C

Weather: mainly sunny with some partial cloud cover

Wind: 5mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1300

Temperature/feels like:20°C/19°C

Weather: sunny

Wind: 6mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

1600

Temperature/feels like:10°C/19°C

Weather: sunny

Wind: 4mph

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Forecast predictions are courtesy of the MetOffice.

Still deciding what to wear for Royal Ascot? Let the H&H team guide you through the dos and don’ts of the dress code

Ascot hat swap in aid of racing charity

Lydia Symonds — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:00:29 +0000

In need of a new hat for Royal Ascot? Bored of your current headwear?

Women in Racing is having a “Great Spring Hat Swap” at Ascot’s evening meeting on 9 May from 3.30pm.

Ladies can bring up to a maximum of 5 hats suitable to wear at any high-profile race day.

For each hat swapped guests will be given 4 tokens that can be used for a chance to win the hat of their choice.

The name on the first token drawn out of a pot takes the hat home. Tokens can also be purchased on the day.

All the funds raised will go to the Women in Racing Bursary programme, which provides training and education to help advance members’ careers in the racing industry.

Tickets to the hat swap cost £40 for members, and £50 for non-members to include premier admission and racing, and afternoon tea in a private room.

At the debut swap last year, £1,000 was raised.

To book tickets, visit www.womeninracing.co.uk

Artist unveils collage of Royal Ascot through the ages

Martha Terry — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 09:00:51 +0000

An installation artist has completed a 200-image collage of Royal Ascot, telling the story of decades of the world’s best racing.

David Mach’s collage, “The Great British Drama” (pictured above, with jockey Johnny Murtagh), was launched at the Royal Academy this week (11 February). It will be exhibited at Ascot during the Royal meeting (17-21 June), and also for the meeting today (15 February).

Mr Mach said: “Royal Ascot was a particular challenge; how to get the social and joyous essence of the British into one action still — a sport that combines us all.

“I love it. It is exuberant and celebratory. We dress beautifully at Ascot, we make an effort — it is probably what I like about it most of all. It’s Britain at its ‘can-do’ best.”

6 champions of the modern era take centre stage in a fictional race. The Queen’s Gold Cup winner Estimate is depicted leading a field that includes Ascot legend Yeats, St James’s Palace Stakes winner Dawn Approach, 5-times Group 1 winner Canford Cliffs, Australian supermare Black Caviar and — of course — the peerless Frankel.

Mr Mach also pays tribute to Ascot’s heroes of the past, such as Brown Jack and Sagaro, as well as human stars — the late Sir Henry Cecil, Clare Balding and Aidan O’Brien — among general racegoers.

Charles Barnett, chief executive of Ascot racecourse, said: “This is a captivating snapshot of Royal Ascot past and present, which encapsulates everything that is special about the week.

“We wanted to bring to life some of the many wonderful stories across world-class racing, pageantry, fashion and fine dining which together create the Great British Drama of Royal Ascot and makes it such a special occasion.

“We feel David has captured perfectly the verve and vibrancy of our historic event.”

Ride a racehorse at Ascot [head-cam video]

Amy Mathieson — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 09:00:21 +0000

What does it feel like to be perched on top of half a tonne of galloping thoroughbred around one of the top racecourses in country?

Thanks to Channel 4 Racing, now you can find out.

The broadcaster has released head-cam footage recorded by jockey Richard Hughes, while he was riding at Ascot last week (19 October).

The champion Flat jockey was riding Aiken in the 2m Long Distance Cup at QIPCO British Champions Day.

*Warning*: this video contains strong language

QIPCO British Champions Day: in pictures

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:15:00 +0000

Equine stars stole the show as top Flat horses went head to head at Ascot racecourse last weekend

A crowd of over 24,000 gathered at Ascot racecourse on Saturday (19 October) to watch top Flat horses in action at QIPCO British Champions Day.

Top riders from the world of eventing — including Emily King, Harry Meade, Laura Collett and Oliver Townend — enjoyed a day out alongside Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker.

Alongside top racing there was plenty to do for horse lovers — including a “jockey school” for budding young riders and pony rides.

And fans of Sir Henry Cecil remembered the great trainer at a special exhibition.

Godolphin’s Farhh won the Group 1 Champion Stakes, under Silvestre De Sousa.

The five-year-old will now retire to Sheikh Mohammed’s Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket.

“This horse is a great fighter. I am very proud of him and this is good for Godolphin,” said trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

Richard Hannon’s Olympic Glory took the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, while Seal Of Approval provided jockey George Baker with his first Group 1 win in the Fillies and Mares.

“I have been waiting a long time to win a Group 1 — I am 31 years of age and I hope that I do’t have to wait that long for the next one,” he said. “It means a lot, especially to win it on a day like this.”

Other winners included the Johnny Murtagh-trained and ridden Royal Diamond, sprinter Slade Power and Breton Rock.

“I think that this is the best day of my life,” said Johnny. “I wouldn’t have taken it [training] on if I didn’t think I could do it, and do it well. We have a good system at home, and this proves that I’m able to train and ride.”

This is the third year the day has run — with Frankel being the main draw in past years.

Despite not having Frankel as a crowd puller, organisers were pleased with attendance figures.

“We all know that the Frankel factor has had an important bearing in the past, so this year’s attendance figures are very satisfactory for a day that’s still very much in its infancy,” said Rod Street of British Champions Series.

“We’re also delighted with the very high calibre of the racing, with 20 Group 1 winners taking part.”

For full report on QIPCO British Champions Day, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H out today (Thursday 24 October).

Henry Cecil celebrated at Ascot

Sophia Heath — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 13:00:35 +0000

The life of Sir Henry Cecil is to be celebrated at Ascot later this month in a new display.

Previously unseen memorabilia from Sir Henry’s home at Warren Place, Newmarket, will be displayed at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions day on Saturday, 19 October.

The 10-times champion trainer died on 11 June, aged 70. He had been suffering from cancer for many years. He enjoyed great success at the end of his career with Frankel, winner of last year’s Champion Stakes.

Sir Henry with his mother as a child (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The specially selected collection will include photographs from throughout his life and the flag he used to fly above his house after a Group One victory. Some of the trophies he won during his glittering 44-year career will also be on display, and there will a video of some of his great horses together with a tribute by Clare Balding.

“Henry loved Ascot and I know he would be delighted to have this exhibition there on British Champions Day,” said Sir Henry’s widow Lady Cecil.

Sir Henry out riding with his twin brother (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I hope people will enjoy seeing the photos and some of the things from our home that meant so much to him.”

Last month (16 September), Lady Cecil announced that she is planning to continue training at Warren Place. She was granted a temporary licence by the British Horseracing Authority after Sir Henry’s death in June, but will now undertake the necessary modules to complete the full trainer’s course.

Novellist sets King George VI record, while Liz Hurley looks on at Ascot

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 14:02:30 +0000

Actress Liz Hurley and her partner cricketer Shane Warne were on hand to watch German raider Novellist make history at Ascot at the weekend.

Novellist stormed into the record books Saturday (27 July) winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Liz was spotted inspecting horses in the paddock before the race as well as presenting a trophy earlier in the day.

Novellist, trained by Andreas Wohler, powered home in a course record time of 2m 24.60s under Johnny Murtagh — whose biggest challenge was pulling the horse up after the race.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He is a very high-class horse with a good engine,” he said. “He relaxes well and I loved the way that, when I asked him to stretch, he really got down — he wanted it.

“From the six-furlong marker up to the four, he was nearly off the bridle a little bit, which is good. When I turned in and got to the two-furlong marker, I really wanted to stretch. He stretched well and I guess pulling him up was the hardest part.”

And it was an expensive day for Longines, Ascot’s official timekeeper, as the company gives one of its watches to the owner, trainer, jockey and lad of any horse who breaks a course record.

For full report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday 1 August.

Farewell to… Ascot Park polo club founder Peter Grace

Horse & Hound — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:05:36 +0000

Peter Grace, founder of Ascot Park Polo Club and a life playing member of Guards Polo Club, died in his sleep at home in Sunningdale, Berks, on Saturday, 16 March. He was 74.

His first love was showjumping and he was selected to represent New Zealand in the 1960 Olympics, but the country could not afford to send the team.

After Peter moved to England with his wife Elisabeth and their daughters, they were based at Cowdray, then Guards, before Peter established Ascot Park Polo Club in 1989.

He taught dozens of players and was extremely proud of his four daughters, who formed the “Amazing Graces” polo team.

Ascot Park Polo Club will hold a remembrance celebration of Peter’s life later this year.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (28 March 2013)

Frankel fans to flock to Champions Day

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:33:38 +0000

All eyes will be on Ascot racecourse tomorrow (20 October), when the best racehorse in the world bids to bow out unbeaten.

Frankel, trained by Sir Henry Cecil, will aim to win his 14th consecutive race, in front of a sell-out crowd of 32,000 at QIPCO British Champions Day.

The four-year-old son of Galileo is owned by his breeder Khalid Abdullah and this is expected to be Frankel’s final run before retiring to stud.

And if he wins, he could become officially the greatest racehorse of all time in the British Horseracing Authority ratings system.

The tickets sold out nearly a month in advance – with an extra 1,500 tickets being released on 24 September – and top figures from the worlds of racing and equestrianism will be there, with The Queen the guest of honour.

Frankel will be contesting the £1.3million QIPCO Champion Stakes – Europe’s most valuable mile and a quarter race.

He is due to meet Cirrus Des Aigles, who won the race a year ago, and Nathaniel, who has run Frankel closer than any other horse, being beaten by just half a length when the pair made their debut.

And as part of the celebrations, members of medal-winning British Olympic and Paralympic teams – including Peter Charles, Ben Maher, Nick Skelton, Natasha Baker, Sophie Wells, Deb Criddle, Sophie Christiansen, Carl Hester, Tina Cook, William Fox-Pitt, Zara Phillips and Nicola Wilson – will be parading at Ascot.

“Going there as a team should be really exciting,” Tina told H&H. “I’ve never seen Frankel in the flesh before and he’s a legend. Like so many I’ve seen him on TV, but to see him perform in real life will be fantastic.”

Carl added: “I’m delighted to have been invited. If it is Frankel’s last run before he retires to stud, it’ll be even more exciting.”

And dual gold medal-winning Paralympic rider Natasha told H&H: “I’m extremely excited to be going to Ascot – and it’s so nice to see that people are so inspired by London 2012.

“I’ve been so busy since it will be lovely to celebrate the champions of racing. I haven’t been to the races for a few years and I’ve never seen Frankel. It’s an amazing opportunity.”

There will also be British Equestrian Federation demonstrations and six Olympic fences on display, turning the Old Paddock Lawns into a “replica mini-Greenwich”.

Watch British Champions Day on BBC1 from 1.30pm-4.30pm

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (18 October 2012)

Black Caviar ‘sore’ after success at Royal Ascot

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:39:09 +0000

Black Caviar is to head back to Australia for a three-month break after incurring an injury while winning her 22nd consecutive race on Saturday (23 June).

The unbeaten mare was confirmed to have some soft tissue damage after narrowly winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Peter Moody described her as “very flat” but played down any rumours of retirement.

She will spend 14 days in quarantine in Britain before heading home to Australia, where she will spend a further fortnight in quarantine. Prior to her Ascot race connections had discussed running her in the July Cup at Newmarket.

Moody reported the mare had been thoroughly examined by vets since the race and had some soft tissue damage.

He added that she was “quite sore behind”, having injured her quadriceps muscle, and that she would now be having a three-month break.

If all goes to plan she will be aimed at the Patinack Farm Classic in Melbourne in November, which she has already won twice, and then possibly at a sprint in Hong Kong.

The Bel Esprit mare won by just a head to Moonlight Cloud in a nail-biting race, after jockey Luke Nolen eased off before the line. The jockey later admitted a “brain fade” and that he had “underestimated the tough track”.

And the owners of Black Caviar said they won’t be rushed into making any decisions about her future.

“Unfortunately England or Europe didn’t see the best of Black Caviar,” part owner Neil Werrett told At The Races.

“At the same time, we’re very thankful she won and she needs a bit of a rest now. We want to look after her and she did a great job.

“She’s a high maintenance horse and we want to make sure she’s well before she goes to race again. That’s something we’ll reassess in three or four weeks’ time.”

Frankel wins at Royal Ascot, extending unbeaten run to 11

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:42:24 +0000

Frankel extended his unbeaten run to 11 this afternoon, taking the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Sir Henry Cecil-trained four-year-old won the 1m Group One by an impressive 11 lengthsin the opening race of the Royal meeting (Tuesday 19 June).

The son of Galileo, who is officially rated the best racehorse in the world, was sent off at 1-10 favourite.

He settled behind stablemate and pacemaker Bullet Train before taking the lead three furlongs from home.

Jockey Tom Queally described Frankel’s performance as “amazing”.

“It looks like he’s improving. He settled, he travelled.

“That’s his best performance. He ticked all the boxes, he did everything right. From my point of view he’s been flawless in the past but I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“He looks like he’s getting better, I didn’t think it was possible but he is. He got a good lead off Bullet Train. Frankel is very professional – I couldn’t fault him.

“He’s an amazing horse – he has so much ability. He just wants to run straight and grab the bit. The biggest problem I had was pulling him up.”

Runner up was old rival Excelebration, trained by Aidan O’Brien, who has now finished second to Frankel four times. Andrew Balding’s Side Glance was third.

Sir Henry Cecil added: “It’s relief, I’m not surprised but relieved.

“He did exactly what I thought but he’s still improving, Tom said he’s still improving. He looks as if he’ll stay a mile and a quarter so we’ll leave our options open”

Frankel bids for his 11th win on opening day of Royal Ascot

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:25:10 +0000

Can wonder horse Frankel win his 11th consecutive race?

This afternoon (Tuesday 19 June) the Sir Henry Cecil-trained four-year-old will bid to continue his unbeaten run and win The Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Frankel, who is officially rated the best racehorse in the world, last ran at Newbury, when he won his sixth Group One race – the Lockinge Stakes (19 May).

It was his first start in 2012 after a three-year-old campaign that included a brilliant 2000 Guineas victory and further Group One triumphs in the St James’s Palace Stakes, the Sussex Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The Queen Anne Stakes is the first race of the Royal meeting, and has 11 horses due to go to post. Frankel will be up against Lockinge runner up Excelebration, trained by Aidan O’Brien, as well as the Charlie Hills-trained Red Jazz and Richard Hannon’s Strong Suit.

The son of Galileo is expected to go off at 1-6.

Trainer Sir Henry Cecil, who has won a record 73 races at Royal Ascot, told At The Races: “He’s in good order and there are no excuses. You always feel nerves with horses like that, he has a great following and you don’t want to let anyone down. I’m very proud of what he’s achieved, we’re lucky to have him and I hope to continue where we left off.”

Watch the one-mile Group One Queen Anne Stakes on BBC One at 2.30pm.

Fashion police will be on patrol at Royal Ascot

Charlotte White — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:58:30 +0000

The fashion police will be out in force at Royal Ascot, which starts tomorrow (19-23 June), enforcing the racecourse’s strict new dress code.

A team of “dress code assistants” will be on hand outside the course to advise patrons whose wear falls below the Ascot standard.

And a selection of waistcoats, ties, pashminas and other items will be available at the turnstiles for those who need them to stay within the rules.

Hats will be loaned, for a refundable deposit of up to £50, to ladies heading for the Royal Enclosure.

Ascot chief executive Charles Barnett said: “Ascot is Europe’s flagship race meeting and one of the world’s greatest sporting and social events.

“We have tried to provide an appropriate dress code that is clear, workable and in line with the wishes of racegoers.

“Over the past few months, a huge amount of planning has gone in to making sure that the implementation of the new code goes as smoothly as possible.

“During the meeting itself, our team of special dress code assistants will help people with any queries that they may have.”

The new rules state that hats (of at least 4in/10cms diameter), rather than fascinators, must be worn in the Royal Enclosure.

And thigh-scrapers are out. Dresses and skirts should be “of modest length”, which is defined as “falling just above the knee or longer”.

As before, men must wear morning suits in the Royal Enclosure, but must wear a tie and waistcoat – cravats are banned – and a top hat.

In the less formal Grandstand, men are now required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie (the dress code previously stipulated simply, “shirt and tie”) while women’s “midriffs must be covered”.

Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are banned and “a hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times” in the Grandstand.

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Off to the races at Ascot? Here’s where to stay

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Fancy a day at Ascot races? Your helpful guide to tickets and 2023 fixtures

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Today at Royal Ascot: everything you need to know about day four

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Have a flutter

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Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2022 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

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Who won which race? Your one-stop shop for Royal Ascot results

Royal Ascot results

Laura Collett credited for ‘transformation’ of colt who heads to Champions Day at Ascot

“We ran him in the Dollar and James [Doyle, jockey] said he showed a very smart turn of foot,” explained Haggas. “He was well on top at the finish. I put the suggestion to the owner to supplement and he nearly bit my hand off for it. He’s an intriguing runner.”

The Champion Stakes gets underway at 3.50pm and, at the time of writing, Dubai Honour was third favourite at 7/1 in a 10-strong runner field.

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Get ready for a massive day of racing action on British Champions Day

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